Zigic and Hleb ready for battle

By: Jared | October 14th, 2010

The first of many Zigic

The start of the season brought with it a new and refreshing sense of optimism. Birmingham’s brand of patient, hardworking, defensive football was to be delicately improved by a couple of touches of inspiration.

Hleb would provide an outlet of pace and skill without the inflated ego of N’Zogbia. Zigic would become the focal point of our attack, his physical presence and aerial ability casting a shadow over the forgotten Benitez.

The harsh reality is that Zigic and Hleb have failed to make an impact. So far.

Mcleish’s inflexibility in terms of formation was the focus of detestable boos from a section of the crowd at St Andrews in our last outing. 4-4-2 would seem the logical choice to maintain our battling core while granting more opportunities in front of goal. However, I would be very surprised if Mcleish was to move to a 4-4-2 against Arsenal.

I think Mcleish is brave enough to change his formation but Hleb and Zigic are crucial in order for it to be successful. Zigic and Hleb both have points to prove. Hleb will need to adapt to Birmingham’s more direct, aggressive, physical style while Zigic will need to become more mobile and strike a good partnership with Jerome.

I don’t think any of us expect Blues to be earning style points against Arsenal on Saturday. What we will be expecting is a solid display defensively and a glimpse of better days ahead. Zigic to nick a goal would do his confidence the world of good as well as remind us why we were excited to sign him.

Birmingham will make it difficult for Arsenal and I can see us grabbing a goal.

My prediction: 1-1