Benitez to start against Villa

Via YahooUK!/Eurosport:

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is poised to hand a first Premier League start to striker Christian Benitez in Sunday's derby with Aston Villa at St Andrew's.

Benitez, signed from Santos Laguna, has impressed as a substitute and is now at full fitness after undergoing shoulder surgery at the beginning of the summer.

Former Scotland boss McLeish hinted the Ecuador international will play from the outset against Villa.

McLeish said: "I've felt in recent weeks that Christian was more effective as an impact player.

"But that may change in a week's time (against Villa). If I can't play him at home, then I will never play him.

Remember, you read it here first. Via the Monday Morning Manager:

It only remains to be seen if they have enough to win, or even draw, these close games. A lot will rest on Benitez, and I'm guessing that he'll start to get more involved after the international break - depending on his own travels. He's creeping up in price, but it may be worth a look at him on the barn door after the Villa match as Birmingham then face @Hull, Bolton and @Burnley.

Of course, Tuncay is now the bargain striker di tutti bargain strikers. But Christian Benitez is another good post-HRod option. I really don't like picking players going in to derby matches, especially one as historically contentious as the Second City derby but I'll plug him again for the stretch following.