Brighton V Birmingham at Amex Stadium : Match Preview

10 January 2014 09:01
Brighton V Birmingham - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Obika in Seagulls squad

Jon Obika will be added to the Brighton squad for the visit of Birmingham.


Boss Oscar Garcia has brought in the striker on a three-month loan from Tottenham with Ashley Barnes close to joining Burnley and Leroy Lita back at Swansea after his loan deal expired.


Goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak, defender Matt Upson and midfielder Liam Bridcutt rested minor knocks as the Seagulls beat Reading in the FA Cup last week and should be available, although the latter's participation may be in doubt after he had a transfer request turned down.


Full-back Bruno (calf) needs a fitness check while winger Will Buckley (hamstring) and strikers Craig Mackail-Smith (Achilles) and Will Hoskins (knee) remain sidelined.


Mitch Hancox has provided Birmingham with a defensive boost having been declared fit.


The left-back has been sidelined since early December having sustained a knee injury but returns to the fold for the clash on the south coast.


Boss Lee Clark will, however, be without fellow defenders Kyle Bartley (hamstring) and Dan Burn, who has been recalled by parent club Fulham.


On-loan strikers Jesse Lingard and Aaron Mclean have since returned to Manchester United and Hull respectively, while long-term absentees David Murphy, Matt Green, Neal Eardley (all knee), Jonathan Spector (thigh) and Akwasi Asante (hamstring) all remain sidelined.


Source: PA