Arsenal’s Nicklas Bendtner is set to make his first appearance of the season, while Kieran Gibbs is fit after a calf injury and Theo Walcott (ankle) could make the bench. Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) is described as “very, very short” and is unlikely to figure, while Manuel Almunia is expected to sit the game out although he is close to a return from an elbow injury. Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) and Bacary Sagna (thigh) are both 10 days away from fitness. Robin van Persie and Aaron Ramsey are out until November.
Birmingham striker Cameron Jerome is doubtful after suffering an ankle injury during training. Nikola Zigic could make his first league start for City since his £6 million summer move from Valencia if Jerome is unfit while former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb has recovered from the ankle knock which kept him out of Belarus’ Euro 2012 qualifiers with Luxembourg and Albania but his midfield colleague Craig Gardner is again ruled out as he serves the second game of a three-match ban for his red card against Wigan.
MATCH FACTS
Arsenal have only accrued fewer points at this stage of the season in three of the previous 18 Premier League campaigns.
Arsenal have led in all four of the matches against Birmingham with Alex McLeish in charge, but the Blues have come back to draw on three occasions.
Birmingham have conceded three own goals, more than any other team this season.
Manuel Almunia has saved five of the six penalties he has faced in the Premier League at the Emirates.
Andrey Arshavin has set up more goalscoring chances (21) than any other player.
Roger Johnson has blocked 12 shots this season, more than any other player.
Arsenal have followed all six previous defeats in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium with a victory in their next home match.
Birmingham have only won one of 10 Premier League matches with Arsenal and none of the five away from home.
The Gunners have scored 18 goals in their four matches at the Emirates this season.
Arsenal have only kept two clean sheets in their 10 matches in all competitions this season.
Birmingham have lost six and won none of their last eight Premier League away matches.
ODDS
Arsenal 1/3, Draw 9/2, Birmingham 10/1
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