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Andrew Steel

The Birmingham City inside view on how Blues could spoil Leeds United's birthday celebrations

With their centenary celebrations in full swing, Leeds United will look to cap off a great birthday week with a much-needed win in the Championship against Birmingham City at Elland Road on Saturday.

Marcelo Bielsa's side return from the international break looking to keep up their pursuit of Premier League promotion by sealing three points on home turf.

Their opponents have been in mixed form over their most recent stretch of fixtures however, with just one victory in their last four.

LeedsLive spoke to Birmingham Mail correspondent Brian Dick on just what the Whites can expect from the Blues' visit.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa Photographer Rob Newell/CameraSport The EFL Sky Bet Championship - Millwall v Leeds United - Saturday 5th October 2019 - The Den - London World Copyright © 2019 CameraSport. All rights reserved. 43 Linden Ave. Countesthorpe. Leicester. England. LE8 5PG - Tel: +44 (0) 116 277 4147 - admin@camerasport.com - www.camerasport.com (Rob Newell/CameraSport)

How has Birmingham's season been so far?

An absolute roller coaster. As enterprising as I've ever seen them against Middlesbrough last time out, virtually the opposite at Swansea.

When you factor in the huge upheaval in the summer and the fact Pep Clotet has been charged with mounting a play-off challenge, playing attractive football with young players, you'd have to say 16 points in the bag is pretty decent.

Who will their dangermen be this weekend?

Dan Crowley is emerging as an absolute bargain. Bought from Willem II for just £750,000 he's been the main man in the last month or so. He's a natural No. 10 who has been playing on the right of midfield but coming infield to inspire attacks. What a find.

The other key to Blues' offensive play this season has been Maxime Colin who has been unleashed at right back. 

What are Birmingham's weak points this year?

Finishing off chances. Blues needed 26 shots against Middlesbrough to score two goals - and not all of that was down to Darren Randolph's brilliance.

There are goals across the team but they miss Che Adams' goal poaching.

They have been decent in defence this season - but have also committed a few individual mistakes which when for a side that needs a lot of chances to score, have been costly.

How much is Che Adams being missed this season?

I alluded to it above but so many people said after the Boro game 'Imagine that team with Adams playing up front'. They have missed his technical ability in the box, his power outside of it and in very basic terms, just having him as another option up front.

They only have two senior strikers, one of whom - Alvaro Gimenez - is playing in the Championship for the first time. Hopefully Odin Bailey can continue his progress and fill a gaping void.

What do you make of the job Pep Clotet is doing?

Pretty good to be fair. Given the brief, which would be demanding under even the most stable of circumstances, the fact he has Blues in mid-table and playing some decent football is to his credit. 

Finally, what is your prediction for the match?

Head says Leeds win, heart says Blues win - nothing tells me draw. So, these two teams being as unpredictable as they are, I'll go for 1-1.

Visit our  dedicated Leeds United page  for the latest news, views and analysis from Elland Road.

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