Betting guide: Birmingham v Stoke

Last updated : 21 August 2009 By Dan Buxton
The sides had contrasting fortunes midweek and if you feel those fortunes will continue then a home victory is available at 11/8 with StanJames and Coral. The Potters picked up both away victories last season against newly promoted sides and if you fancy them to carry on that form against Premier League new boys Birmingham then Ladbrokes and Bet365 offer 9/4 on a Potters win. This is already a potential six pointer and both sides may be happy with a point, the draw is 23/10 with BoyleSport.

If you think it'll end even but want a better return for your money then why not have a flutter on 1-1, at 6's with BlueSQ. Tony Pulis likes a tight defence and after shipping four goals midweek a display to guarantee a point may see a goalless encounter and thats a 8's with Boyles, Ladbrokes, StanJames and Coral.

A tight affair is would appear to be and 1-0 victories can be taken at 7's for Birmingham, at Coral, StanJames and Ladbrokes and 9's for the Potters, at BlueSQ.

The only goal of the game in Birmingham's midweek home win was scored in injury time and Paddy Power offer 22's that the opening goal in this encounter comes after the 85th minute. The Irish bookie also has evens for both before and after 29 minutes for the opening goal.

Ricardo Fuller and Liam Lawrence were both rested in midweek with this game in mind and Fuller is at 8's with both Paddy Power and Ladbrokes to open the scoring while Lawrence is 14/1 with the same two bookies aswell as StanJames and BlueSQ. Defender Ryan Shawcross, so far the only Potter to score this season can be backed at 22/1 with Paddy Power.

Birmingham's summer signing Christian Benitez has impressed in cameo appearances so far and is found at 7's with Bet365 and PaddyPower to open the scoring. Barry Ferguson will be a vital factor in the game, given the likely derby atmosphere and his experience in the most physical of them all but he also has the ability to pop up with a goal from nowhere and SkyBet offer 22's on him being the player to break the deadlock.