Full time at St. Andrews and the game ends 1-1 despite a dramatic end to the game.
90
A good safe by Time Howard to deny a poor header from Gary McSheffrey's corner wasn't good enough to grab a late winner for Birmingham.
90
There are to be three minutes of added time at St. Andrews.
89
A massive scramble in front of goal for Birmingham as Tony Hibbert almost fired the ball towards goal, only for Liam Ridgewell to put his body in the way and the ball to be cleared to safety.
88
Both teams are going for it, with any chance to attack being taken up. However, I believe this game will end all square in the scale of things.
85
There is surely to be a grandstand finish to this game now. A fantastic few dramatic minutes at St. Andrews.
83
Goal
GOAL! BIRMINGHAM CITY 1 - 1 EVERTON (ZARATE) Maura Zarate curled a brilliant free kick up and over the wall and into the top corner of the net.
80
Birmingham have made a good response to the goal, but Everton continue to be resilient at the back.
78
Goal
GOAL!! BIRMINGHAM CITY 0 - 1 EVERTON (LESCOTT) Joleon Lescott scores the opening goal after flicking the ball into the back of the net from a corner.
77
Substitution
Mauro Zarate replaces James McFadden.
76
The game has been much more open in the second half and the fans have actually made some noise after half time.
74
Everton broke down the right flank with Andy Johnson exposing his lightening pace but as he pulled the ball back across goal Liam Ridgewell had made his way back into the area to intercept the ball right on queue.
72
End to end stuff here at St. Andrews. This time it was Everton who went close with Victor Anichebe dragging a right footed shot just past Maik Taylor's left hand upright.
70
Another chance from the resulting corner with Liam Ridgewell rising highest and directing a glancing header towards goal for Tim Howard to parry and Everton eventually got the chance to clear the ball to safety.
68
Some great Goalkeeping from Tim Howard as he made to fantastic saves within the space of 10 seconds. First it was a right handed acrobating save from Radhi Jaidi and then another great save from McFadden's right footed shot. Birmingham went to close.
65
Substitution
Steven Pienaar is replaced by Victor Anichebe.
63
A great strike from James McFadden as he lifted and curled the ball up and over the wall to force a fantastic save from Tim Howard. McFadden is desperate to impress against his old club this afternoon.
60
Muamba is back on the pitch and looking to run his knock off, he probably just needed some of the magic sponge.
58
Fabrice Muamba has limped off the pitch for some treatment after being clattered by Phil Jagielka.
57
There is definately a bigger spring in the step of all of the Birmingham players, with the knowledge of the Bolton - West Ham ringing around the stadium.
55
Birmingham are looking very dangerous from set plays, with the added aerial threat of Cameron Jerome and Gary O'Connor on the pitch and Gary McSheffrey's continuous good deliveries.
53
I think Ridgewell is still cursing after missing undoubtedly the chance of the match.
51
A perfect example for Birmingham as to why Liam Ridgewell is a central defender. Birmingham whipped in another decent corner which dropped to the feet of Liam Ridgewell's feet 3-4 yards out from goal and embarrassingly volleyed the ball over the bar.
48
Birmingham won a corner that was whipped in dangerously once again by Gary McSheffrey but Lee Carsley made a good defence clearing header for Everton.
47
Andy Johnson hits a weak shot at goal with his right foot that was more than comfortably saved by Maik Taylor.
Second half
Birmingham get us back underway for the second half.
45
Substitution
Mikael Forssell is forced off and replaced by Gary O'Connor at half time.
Half time
Half time and all square at St. Andrews.
44
Just one minute of added time here at the end of the first half.
42
Everton tried to respond to their scare by Yakubu breaking down the right side of the penalty area and tried to cross the ball across the face of goal but Liam Ridgewell's out-stretched leg managed to block the cross.
40
A great chance for Birmingham to go ahead before half time as Mikael Forssell's shot was saved by Howard and then Cameron Jerome's rebounded header bounced back of the post to deny them an opening goal.
38
Cameron Jerome it was back defending for Birmingham City as Manuel Fernandes' free kick was whipped into the penalty area right footed, there was no real danger for the home side though.
36
James McFadden looking to shine against his former club created a decent chance for himself as he moved smoothly past Baines and fired the ball at goal, but Tim Howard saved nicely.
33
A dangerous in-swinging corner from Gary McSheffrey which caused Everton some problems as Tim Howard came to claim but instead was forced to punch, but Phil Jagielka was there to prevent a goal as Liam Ridgewell diverted the ball back towards goal.
31
Everton are most definately dominating possession so far, but are yet to create anything substantial in front of goal.
29
Yellow Card
Mehdi Nafti is booked for clipping the heels of Yakubu.
27
Gary McSheffrey won a corner, took it short and cut inside towards goal then fired a shot at the near post which Tim Howard managed to save safely.
24
Another chance dead for Everton has Steven Pienaar's lofted pass just had too much on it for Andy Johnson who managed to get his shot off, but the connection could have been better. Maik Taylor saved comfortably though.
23
Substitution
Sebastian Larsson can not continue and is replaced by Cameron Jerome.
20
Another great chance for Everton to go ahead and make the most of some confusion inside the penalty area but Joleon Lescott couldn't quite turn his left footed shot inside the post and instead he hit it against the side netting.
18
Birmingham have probably been the better side so far, but everytime Everton get the opportunity to attack they look very dangerous.
15
A good chance for Birmingham to capitalise on a free kick on a good position after a Pienaar handball, but Tony Hibbert did well to divert Larsson's free kick to safety.
13
Tony Hibbert did well to link up with Steven Pienaar down the right and advance forward then whip a dangerous flat cross into the area, only for Liam Ridgewell to clear the ball to safety.
12
Yakubu demonstrated his menacing pace as he played off the shoulder of Liam Ridgewell and fired a shot across the face of Maik Taylor's goal. Great play from the striker but Birmingham survive.
10
Everton look threatening as they moved the ball from defence to attack in no time, Manuel Fernandes setup for a shot which was blocked bravely by Radhi Jaidi.
8
Larsson looks to be struggling after that fine run down the right, he looks in some discomfort and has been forced to recieve some treatment from the physio off the the field.
5
Sebastian Larsson looks very lively in the opening minutes and was fouled by Leighton Baines as he jinked past him. However James McFadden's free kick was very poor.
3
Birmingham have started the brighter side here at St. Andrews and are looking likely to widen the two point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
1
A very early scare immediately from the kick off for Birmingham as Liam Ridgewell's clearance hit straight off Andy Johnson and bounced worryingly over Maik Taylor's head and just wide of the post.
1
Kickoff
Everton get us underway in their change kit at St. Andrews.
Awaiting Kickoff
The referee today is Steve Bennett (Kent).
Awaiting Kickoff
Everton's Mikael Arteta misses out with an Abdominal problem, as does Leon Osman who picked up an injury in training midweek, though Tony Hibbert (Hip) and Steven Pienaar (Knee) have both been passed fit to start.
Awaiting Kickoff
Birmingham's James McFadden has been passed fit to play despite a knee problem, Liam Ridgewell has served his 2 match suspension and replaces the injured Martin Taylor (groin) while Damien Johnson starts his 2 match ban and is replaced by Mehdi Nafti
Birmingham City
Everton
Full time
Full time at St. Andrews and the game ends 1-1 despite a dramatic end to the game.
A good safe by Time Howard to deny a poor header from Gary McSheffrey's corner wasn't good enough to grab a late winner for Birmingham.
There are to be three minutes of added time at St. Andrews.
A massive scramble in front of goal for Birmingham as Tony Hibbert almost fired the ball towards goal, only for Liam Ridgewell to put his body in the way and the ball to be cleared to safety.
Both teams are going for it, with any chance to attack being taken up. However, I believe this game will end all square in the scale of things.
There is surely to be a grandstand finish to this game now. A fantastic few dramatic minutes at St. Andrews.
Goal
GOAL! BIRMINGHAM CITY 1 - 1 EVERTON (ZARATE) Maura Zarate curled a brilliant free kick up and over the wall and into the top corner of the net.
Birmingham have made a good response to the goal, but Everton continue to be resilient at the back.
Goal
GOAL!! BIRMINGHAM CITY 0 - 1 EVERTON (LESCOTT) Joleon Lescott scores the opening goal after flicking the ball into the back of the net from a corner.
Substitution
Mauro Zarate replaces James McFadden.
The game has been much more open in the second half and the fans have actually made some noise after half time.
Everton broke down the right flank with Andy Johnson exposing his lightening pace but as he pulled the ball back across goal Liam Ridgewell had made his way back into the area to intercept the ball right on queue.
End to end stuff here at St. Andrews. This time it was Everton who went close with Victor Anichebe dragging a right footed shot just past Maik Taylor's left hand upright.
Another chance from the resulting corner with Liam Ridgewell rising highest and directing a glancing header towards goal for Tim Howard to parry and Everton eventually got the chance to clear the ball to safety.
Some great Goalkeeping from Tim Howard as he made to fantastic saves within the space of 10 seconds. First it was a right handed acrobating save from Radhi Jaidi and then another great save from McFadden's right footed shot. Birmingham went to close.
Substitution
Steven Pienaar is replaced by Victor Anichebe.
A great strike from James McFadden as he lifted and curled the ball up and over the wall to force a fantastic save from Tim Howard. McFadden is desperate to impress against his old club this afternoon.
Muamba is back on the pitch and looking to run his knock off, he probably just needed some of the magic sponge.
Fabrice Muamba has limped off the pitch for some treatment after being clattered by Phil Jagielka.
There is definately a bigger spring in the step of all of the Birmingham players, with the knowledge of the Bolton - West Ham ringing around the stadium.
Birmingham are looking very dangerous from set plays, with the added aerial threat of Cameron Jerome and Gary O'Connor on the pitch and Gary McSheffrey's continuous good deliveries.
I think Ridgewell is still cursing after missing undoubtedly the chance of the match.
A perfect example for Birmingham as to why Liam Ridgewell is a central defender. Birmingham whipped in another decent corner which dropped to the feet of Liam Ridgewell's feet 3-4 yards out from goal and embarrassingly volleyed the ball over the bar.
Birmingham won a corner that was whipped in dangerously once again by Gary McSheffrey but Lee Carsley made a good defence clearing header for Everton.
Andy Johnson hits a weak shot at goal with his right foot that was more than comfortably saved by Maik Taylor.
Second half
Birmingham get us back underway for the second half.
Substitution
Mikael Forssell is forced off and replaced by Gary O'Connor at half time.
Half time
Half time and all square at St. Andrews.
Just one minute of added time here at the end of the first half.
Everton tried to respond to their scare by Yakubu breaking down the right side of the penalty area and tried to cross the ball across the face of goal but Liam Ridgewell's out-stretched leg managed to block the cross.
A great chance for Birmingham to go ahead before half time as Mikael Forssell's shot was saved by Howard and then Cameron Jerome's rebounded header bounced back of the post to deny them an opening goal.
Cameron Jerome it was back defending for Birmingham City as Manuel Fernandes' free kick was whipped into the penalty area right footed, there was no real danger for the home side though.
James McFadden looking to shine against his former club created a decent chance for himself as he moved smoothly past Baines and fired the ball at goal, but Tim Howard saved nicely.
A dangerous in-swinging corner from Gary McSheffrey which caused Everton some problems as Tim Howard came to claim but instead was forced to punch, but Phil Jagielka was there to prevent a goal as Liam Ridgewell diverted the ball back towards goal.
Everton are most definately dominating possession so far, but are yet to create anything substantial in front of goal.
Yellow Card
Mehdi Nafti is booked for clipping the heels of Yakubu.
Gary McSheffrey won a corner, took it short and cut inside towards goal then fired a shot at the near post which Tim Howard managed to save safely.
Another chance dead for Everton has Steven Pienaar's lofted pass just had too much on it for Andy Johnson who managed to get his shot off, but the connection could have been better. Maik Taylor saved comfortably though.
Substitution
Sebastian Larsson can not continue and is replaced by Cameron Jerome.
Another great chance for Everton to go ahead and make the most of some confusion inside the penalty area but Joleon Lescott couldn't quite turn his left footed shot inside the post and instead he hit it against the side netting.
Birmingham have probably been the better side so far, but everytime Everton get the opportunity to attack they look very dangerous.
A good chance for Birmingham to capitalise on a free kick on a good position after a Pienaar handball, but Tony Hibbert did well to divert Larsson's free kick to safety.
Tony Hibbert did well to link up with Steven Pienaar down the right and advance forward then whip a dangerous flat cross into the area, only for Liam Ridgewell to clear the ball to safety.
Yakubu demonstrated his menacing pace as he played off the shoulder of Liam Ridgewell and fired a shot across the face of Maik Taylor's goal. Great play from the striker but Birmingham survive.
Everton look threatening as they moved the ball from defence to attack in no time, Manuel Fernandes setup for a shot which was blocked bravely by Radhi Jaidi.
Larsson looks to be struggling after that fine run down the right, he looks in some discomfort and has been forced to recieve some treatment from the physio off the the field.
Sebastian Larsson looks very lively in the opening minutes and was fouled by Leighton Baines as he jinked past him. However James McFadden's free kick was very poor.
Birmingham have started the brighter side here at St. Andrews and are looking likely to widen the two point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
A very early scare immediately from the kick off for Birmingham as Liam Ridgewell's clearance hit straight off Andy Johnson and bounced worryingly over Maik Taylor's head and just wide of the post.
Kickoff
Everton get us underway in their change kit at St. Andrews.
Awaiting Kickoff
The referee today is Steve Bennett (Kent).
Awaiting Kickoff
Everton's Mikael Arteta misses out with an Abdominal problem, as does Leon Osman who picked up an injury in training midweek, though Tony Hibbert (Hip) and Steven Pienaar (Knee) have both been passed fit to start.
Awaiting Kickoff
Birmingham's James McFadden has been passed fit to play despite a knee problem, Liam Ridgewell has served his 2 match suspension and replaces the injured Martin Taylor (groin) while Damien Johnson starts his 2 match ban and is replaced by Mehdi Nafti
Awaiting Kickoff
Everton Line-up: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Neville, Fernandes, Carsley, Pienaar, Johnson, Yakubu
Awaiting Kickoff
Birmingham City Line-up: Maik Taylor, Kelly, Jaidi, Ridgewell, Murphy, Larsson, Muamba, Nafti, McSheffrey, Forssell, McFadden