Birmingham v Everton: Ronny Goodlass talks tactics

Apr 12 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

ALEX McLEISH will have Birmingham’s players and fans well wound up for a crucial match.

St Andrews can be an intimidating arena and Everton will need to be on their mettle.

Defence

MAIK TAYLOR is an experienced Northern Ireland international.

He played nearly 200 games for Fulham before moving to Birmingham in 2003 and has proved a brave, consistent keeper. He is calm under pressure and his handling is safe.

Stephen Kelly moved from Spurs in 2006 to try and get more regular first-team football, and the switch has paid off with the Irish international holding down the right-back spot. He uses his pace to close down the opposition as well as getting forward to support the wide players.

Radhi Jaidi was the first Tunisian to play in the Premier League with Bolton before his switch to Birmingham. A strong player with good heading ability, he has plenty of experience – having played in Tunisia’s African Cup of Nations winning side in 2004 and the World Cup in 2002 and 2006.

Liam Ridgewell will return to the side as he has become such an influence since making the short trip from Aston Villa in 2007 for £2million. An excellent header of the ball with a good left foot, he is the captain and organiser of the side and will be the one doing the shouting to keep things together.

Midfield

SEBASTIAN LARSSON was so impressive on his season-long loan spell from Arsenal that Birmingham made the move permanent.

He has scored 10 goals of his own, but such is his passing ability, first touch and vision, he is able to create chances for others. Also very accurate from free-kicks.

Fabrice Muamba is another Arsenal old boy and his deal could eventually be worth £4m. A tough-tackling central midfielder, who will look to drive the team along with his all-action style.

Mehdi Nafti is another Tunisian with African Cup of Nations and World Cup games under his belt. Joined from Racing Santander in 2005 only to miss the whole of the season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury. He brings a combative edge to the midfield.

Gary McSheffrey can operate in midfield or in a more forward role. Made his mark as a goalscorer at Coventry before his move to Birmingham where he netted 16 goals in his first season. He has good skill on the ball and a cool finisher.

Attack

FINNISH international Mikael Forssell has plenty of ability but his career has been dogged by injury problems.

He takes up good positions and rarely misses the target, his movement in and around the penalty area can pose problems for defenders.

Mauro Zarate attracted a £10million price tag when he moved from Argentina to Al Sadd in the Middle East, but he has prospered since his loan move. He likes to take defenders on and a good dribbler of the ball, he has scored three goals in his last four games.

James McFadden will be desperate to be fit to face his former club. His inconsistency and unpredictability probably cost him a longer stay at Goodison Park, but he has started well at Birmingham with four goals in six starts before his injury.

Dangerman

MAURO ZARATE – the Argentinian is in good form.

Overall verdict

BIRMINGHAM are fighting for Premier League survival and will do everything in their power to take all three points. Everton need the win for different reasons, to make sure of European qualification, and can do enough to get at least a point.

Ronny Goodlass was talking to RICHARD WILLIAMSON