Planet Swans looks ahead to tomorrow nights game against Birmingham.

Swansea City could go fourth in the championship should Roberto Martinez's side win over a vastly experienced Birmingham City outfit currently trailing Wolverhampton Wanderers in second. At the start of the season many would have not given Swansea a chance over the former premiership club but with the Liberty Stadium club growing into their new surroundings with ease who would bet against them to break Birmingham hearts?

Predicting a tough test for his parent club young Polish shot-stopper Artur Krysiak sent a clear warning to Alex Mcleish not to underestimate a Swans side enjoying their first stint back in the second tier of British football in 24 years, he said “They’ve impressed me and done very well the last few weeks. I think in the next few years, they could easily be challenging to get into the Premier League, and might get there. They attack with speed and are very technical, they have players from Spain as you would expect being managed by Roberto Martinez, and I expect Birmingham will be given a tough game.”

However Birmingham will still provide a stern test for Swansea but after nearly doing a double over 1^st placed Wolves, Martinez's squad have nothing to fear from an Blues side rocked by a number of key injuries. Mcleish will be without defenders David Murphy, Stephen Kelly and Stuart Parnaby with knee, thigh and hamstring injuries respectively. Midfielder Gary McSheffrey is also out with a knee injury as is Garry O' Connor who is sidelined with a groin injury. On loan West Ham midfielder Nigel Quashie is out through suspension after being sent off in the 3-2 win over Charlton Athletic last match day. Long term absentee Damien Johnston rounds off the injury list for Birmingham.

Dorus De Vries could hand Martinez a welcome boost as the 29 year old could be back in contention but Konstantopolos is thought to be odds on favourite to start between the sticks. Whilst on loan Polish keeper Artur Krysiak is not eligible to play against his parent club. Defender Marcos Painter is firmly out of the clash with a cruciate knee injury which will keep him out of action until April next year. Other doubts include Andrea Orlandi who has not shaken off a quad injury and fellow midfielder Thomas Butler is nearing full fitness after his hamstring injury.

Players to Watch:

Ferrie Bodde: What more praise can one pile upon the Dutch maestro? The Dutchman is fast becoming one of the hottest properties outside of the top flight and with his thunderous long range strikes and pin point passes it is no wonder that premiership scouts are on the prowl for the former Ado Den Hagg man.

Kevin Phillips:

Signed from West Brom this summer the former Sunderland man was heavily criticised for his move to local rivals Birmingham City. Defying his age Philips continues to be a threat and with 7 goals so far this season the 35 year old has certainly not lost his touch or eye for goal.

The Form Book:

Swansea City: LDWLW

Birmingham City: WLLDW

Man In The Middle/ Men On The Lines:

Referee :Anthony Taylor
Assistant Officials :B J Malone and M G West
Fourth Official R S Ganfield

Planet Swansea Prediction: Swansea City 2-2 Birmingham City

Photo: Action Images

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