The teams
Birmingham City Hampton; Sargeant, Ladd, Harrop, Arthur, Follis, Wellings, Scott, Mannion, Staniforth, White.
Substitutes: Brooks, WIlliams, Walker, Ewers, Scofield, Quinn, Mayling.
Arsenal (4-3-3) Peyraud-Magnin; Evans, Williamson, Quinn, Veje; Little, Bloodworth, Van de Donk; Mead, Miedema, McCabe.
Substitutes: Van Veenendaal, Arnth, Schnaderbeck, Kemme, Carter.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to live coverage of Birmingham City v Arsenal from the Automated Technology Group Stadium. A win today would put Arsenal on the brink of th- Hang on, the Automated Technology Stadium! On the great Stadium Name Scale of 0 to evocative, that’s been disqualified from going within 10 miles of a Stadium Name Scale ever again.
Erm, where were we? Yes, Arsenal’s swashbuckling side need nine points from their last four games to win their first title since 2012. They are a point clear of Manchester City with a game in hand. The plot is thickened, however, by the fact their last game is against City, so only a win today will keep their destiny out of City’s hands.
That won’t be easy against Birmingham, who are tricky opponents. Arsenal were hammered here last season, and both their wins at home to Birmingham this season – one in the league, one in the League Cup – were hard fought. They needed two goals in the last seven minutes to beat Birmingham 2-1 in the League Cup.
Arsenal are at least in blistering form going into what feels like a pivotal match. If they win today, they should wrap the title up before they play City. If they don’t, we are probably looking at a title decider at Meadow Park on 11 May.
Kick off is at 12.30pm.
Updated