Saints continue the New Dutch revolution at St Andrews.

Saints travel to Birmingham City hoping to continue their run of good form, however perhaps "hoping" isnt a good word, whereas just a few short weeks ago it would have been a good description of Saints chances, a new regime means that we actually go to play Blues with confidence.

Three runs on the trot whilst not improving our league position too much has brought those hovering above the relegation zone that litle bit closer and looking over their shoulders and a result in the second city will further boost Saints chances of survival.

However Saints fans have to be prepared for the fact that not even the top clubs can win every game and that although the nature of the division is such that top club can lose to bottom, we are going to have to drop some points, therefor results have to be taken in the context of a six game run not in isolation.

With that in mind even a point would set up Saints nicely for two home games next week and the fact that is the target for maximum points, so that anything we get at St Andrews is a bonus.

One plus point about Mark Wotte is he is not a tinker man, he likes to get a winning formula and stick with it, so dont expect too many changes injuries permitting, even the bench has a familiar look about it, in addition to the keeper, Wotte will probably stick with Liptak and Wotton, plus Patterson seems to have edged his way up the pecking order, the only real question will be who will be the other wide outlet, Ryan Smith got the nod on Tuesday after Lallana wasnt quite fit, if he has recovered however i would expect to see him retun albeit on the bench.

For their part Birmingham arent steamrollering the division as their total of only 42 goals in 36 games testifys, most of their home wins have been by the odd goal as was proved against Bristol City the games only goal coming in the 87th minute, what has kept them in the promotion run has been their defensive form 31 goals against being only one more than the divisions meanest defence Reading, and as we know Saints have scored three past them in the two games.

A reasonable away following looks set to make its way to the midlands and although the initial allocation of 1,000 tickets has been sold, plenty of seats are available in the away section on the day.

Funnily enough in a season when I have complained about Saints home crowds, Birminghams are terrible, considering they have spent money on their promotion push and are in the top 2, only 17,551 saw their promotion battle in midweek and that included a couple of thousand Bristol City fans, indeed their average is barely above 18,000.

Our record at St Andrews isnt good in recent times, our last three visits have ended up in 2-1 defeats added to a 3-2 defeat in the premier in 2002/03, in fact our last win there was in 85/86 when we also drew 1-1 in the League Cup, so some would say a point at least against Blues is well overdue.

The truth is in their current form Saints can go there and take the game to a Birmingham side who have stuttered in recent weeks, a victory over Forest being the only other win in seven apart from that late winner on wednesday, neutrals would say that perhaps this is the best time to be playing them, although they site second Sheff Utd are coming up fast and Reading and Cardiff could overtake them if they win their games in hand, however with a nine point gap between themselves and seventh place, a play off spot at last does look assured, the question is whether they have the nerve to win that automatic promotion spot, Saints could be just the team to test it.        

Photo: Action Images

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