This was always going to be the 'look what you got rid of' and 'look what you could have had' fixture and it'll be interesting to see which set of fans come out smiling at the end. Gary Rowett is the manager that Blackpool could have had but chose Birmingham whilst Lee Clark is the manager that Birmingham didm't want and thus ended up at Blackpool.

Blackpool skipper Tony McMahon returns from a three-game ban against Birmingham. The full-back has not played since receiving his marching orders in the draw at Fulham but will be welcomed back into the fold.Defender Darren O'Dea has penned a short-term deal with the club but needs both international and Football League clearance before he can make his debut, while none of Blackpool's injury absentees - including Jose Miguel Cubero (foot), Gary MacKenzie (knee) and Tom Barkhuizen (broken arm) - are ready to return. Sergei Zenjov had his contract mutually terminated this week, while midfielder Jonathan Legear, who signed 2hours before Clark arrived and has never featured for the club, has been told he is surplus to requirements.

Nikola Zigic is unavailable for Birmingham despite rejoining the club on loan until the end of the season. The striker still needs visa entry clearance on his passport but should be available to face Reading next week. Gavin Gunning, Matt Green (both knee) and Jonathan Spector (thigh) are still long-term injury absentees.

Clark would dearly love to get his first win against his former club whilst Rowett will be hoping to show the Oyston's what they missed out on. Let battle commence!

Photo: Action Images

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