3rd round FA Cup draw has thrown up a local, West Midlands derby, between Birmingham City and Wolves. The game will probably be a repeat of their recent Coca Cola Championship match. Both teams have the promotion as the ultimate goal for the season, but won’t give up from FA Cup.

Portman Road is not an easy place to take points. Especially now when Ipswich are a decent and respectable team, play-offs contenders, and when they are hosting shaken Birmingham that lost two straight games. The odds for a home win are higher and not realistic which should definitely be used.

The derby of the round at St Andrews could show a lot on the start of the second part of the championship. Reading have the recipe for playing strong rivals away and the win would see them leapfrog direct rivals into second. The situation is worth the risk for Steve Coppell…

Having started a positive run, Preston managed to reach the verge of play-offs. Neither they nor Birmingham were brilliant in the last minimum wins so we think that the draw will be the best option for both of the high-placed rivals.

The Blues failed to materialize better play in the derby of the round in Wolverhampton so they must seek for their chance to approach the leaders against weaker teams. Watford showed certain progress but they are too weak for Birmingham, troubled by the short bench and the players are tired from the tough Carling Cup match against Tottenham on Wednesday.

A real treat for football fans will be seen at Moulineux stadium in Wolverhampton as first two teams meet. Wolves are in the top form, they again recorded a winning run if seven wins and they are hosting Birmingham who won the last three games. Although at first sight it seems that anything can happen, as always we have few suggestions…

A real treat for football fans will be seen at Moulineux stadium in Wolverhampton as two first-placed teams meet. Wolves are in the top form, they again recorded a winning run if seven wins and they are hosting Birmingham who won the last three games. Although at first sight it seems that anything can happen, as always we have few suggestions…

Weary Birmingham welcomes Charlton, the synonymous for the poor form this autumn. Blues must find the way to win because they need it so much and they have strength and ability to do it, while The Addicks are in a big trouble even to make the team…

Foresters are in form, after the win over Palace, they have managed to take the point from Derby in a ‘mad’ game. They are not on the rock bottom anymore, while Birmingham are no longer on the top after their two straight defeats. Fine chance for a surprise…

After the failure against QPR, the biggest title contender, Birmingham City must correct the mistake on home ground as soon as possible and keep up with the leading Wolves. Weak form of their visitors can be helpful, as they have gone last four rounds without winning which saw them in the bottom half of the standings.