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i was reading in the racing post about man u being extremly under strength bromsgrove. lemme look online (56k )

Birmingham can give Bruce some Christmas cheer ..... Ian Coyne
Birmingham, 5pts 5-1 (Bet365)
BIRMINGHAM, thrashed 4-1 at Manchester City on Saturday, could have more joy against Mancunian opposition in tonight’s Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester United at St Andrews.
Steve Bruce’s team were outclassed at Eastlands, and their manager is under pressure with the club second-bottom in the top flight.
But providing Sir Alex Ferguson isn’t bluffing about continuing with his policy of giving experience to emerging youngsters in this competition, the United manager could be about to throw his former player a much-needed lifeline.
Team news is so often vital when itcomes to assessing how to bet on Carling Cup games, and while you would certainly be with United’s first team at 8-13, the side that looks likely to take to the field in the Midlands is no value at that price.
United have rallied lately, with improved performances in the wins at home to Wigan and against Aston Villa at Villa Park.
But it is no secret that Ferguson doesn’t think much of this competition and United may be about to crash out, like they did at West Brom after playing their second string there the season before last.
With an important series of league fixtures coming up over the festive period culminating with a trip to Arsenal on January 3, he looks set to jump at the chance to give his first-choice men the night off.
The provisional squad he released yesterday didn’t include striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, centre-back Rio Ferdinand, midfielders Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.
Right-back Gary Neville and strikers Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are in the party, though none of that trio are sure to start, and with striker-cum-midfielder Alan Smith and forward Louis Saha facing fitness tests the visitors’ line-up could well have a very youthful look to it.
Birmingham are no longer without a win on their own territory against Premiership opposition after beating Fulham 1-0 in their last home outing.
They were embarrassing in the defeat by City.
But this game gives them a chance to respond swiftly to the stinging criticism they received from their coach,as Bruce is likely to name his best available team.
The Blues’ main problem this season has been a lack of goals. But they should benefit from having Emile Heskey, who missed the shambolic performance against City, back in their attack.
The big strikershould get plenty of chances against a United team set to contain so many inexperienced players.
Team news .....
Birmingham
Goalkeeper Maik Taylor comes in for suspended Nico Vaesen, while keeper Colin Doyle is recalled to the bench from a Millwall loan spell.
Muzzy Izzet (hamstring) and Mario Melchiot (thigh) are still sidelined.
Manchester United
Boss Sir Alex Ferguson will check on the fitness of Louis Saha and Alan Smith.
Both men missed the weekend win over Aston Villa with viruses and Ferguson will want to be sure the duoare 100% fit before he selects them again