PREVIEW: BIRMINGHAM v EDINBURGH (KOC)

BIRMINGHAM need to overturn an 18-point margin if they are to extend their season when they host Edinburgh at Perry Barr tonight (Wednesday).

The sides meet in the second leg of their KO Cup quarter-final with a last-four clash with Glasgow awaiting the aggregate winners.

The Brummies, whose future is uncertain with owners David and Mason leaving the club, are without Paco Castagna due to illness, with Dillon Ruml stepping in. The Monarchs bring in Dan Gilkes to replace the retired Nathan Greaves.

Birmingham boss Laurence Rogers said: “Paco rang me to say he had bad flu symptoms and was confined to bed.

“It’s a massive shame he’ll miss this one because he has been piling up the points for us at reserve, especially at Perry Barr.

“We thank Dillon for stepping in – he rode really, really well for Plymouth not so long back and we’re confident he can come in and do a job for the Brummies tonight.”

BIRMINGHAM: Chris Harris, Valemntin Grobauer, James Shanes, Ashley Morris, Erik Riss, Dillon Ruml, Jack Thomas.
EDINBURGH: Sam Masters, Anders Rowe, Kye Thomson, Josh Pickering, Richie Worrall, Drew Kemp, Dan Gilkes