Birmingham have struggled defensively since injury deprived them of influential centre-half Scott Dann. Ahead of Survival Sunday we look at the impact his absence has had on Alex McLeish's side.
Friday 20 May 2011 09:52, UK
Ahead of Survival Sunday we look at the impact Scott Dann's absence has had on Alex McLeish's side.
Birmingham are one of five sides that will enter 'Survival Sunday' with their Premier League status hanging in the balance. The Carling Cup winners face a tricky trip to Tottenham as they look to ensure their survival after a difficult end to the campaign. Birmingham's slump in form has coincided with the absence of key defender Scott Dann through injury, with many pundits feeling the break-up of his partnership with Roger Johnson at the heart of the Blues' defence is the reason they find themselves fighting for their lives on the final day of the season. Dann, who is thought to be a top transfer target for Liverpool, has missed Birmingham's last 17 Premier League games with a hamstring injury and his presence has been sorely missed. In the games without Dann Birmingham have conceded almost 50% more goals per game ratio than when the talented central defender has started. In those 17 games Birmingham have conceded 31 goals, while in the 20 games Dann has featured in Alex McLeish's men have only conceded 25 goals. Birmingham have picked up 15 of their 39 points from draws this season, but without Dann they have only secured five draws in the 17 Premier League games and have lost eight games compared to six in the 20 games Dann has featured in.
