West Ham United Vs. Birmingham City: Lack of Options For City Keeps West Ham On The Front Foot

As anticipated, Manuel da Costa is on for Mathew Upson. The young Portuguese defender, who saw a string of matches at the end of last season, makes his seventh appearance of this season, with the aggravation of a calf injury ending Upson's day early. Da Costa will partner Winston Reid, a surprise starter, in central defense.

Thankfully for Avram Grant, Birmingham City has shown little want to build through the middle. Bary Ferguson's been a non-factor today, as has Craig Gardner, the Blues' central midfield duo rarely deserving mention through the first half. As a result, Cameron Jerome has gone neglected, with Nikola Zigic as the target of David Bentley crosses now Birmingham's preferred (if only) tactic.

West Ham, however, has shown some diversity in attack, though their most promising tactic has been sending Gary O'Neil through the right side of Birmingham's area, Lee Bowyer continuing to fail in his tracking back. But as their first real threat of the second half, West Ham has gotten out on the counter attack, Victor Obinna able to carry the ball to the edge of the box before his shot is blocked by one of the collapses defense.