Both Birmingham City and AFC Bournemouth currently have four points from their opening two EFL Championship matches, with Birmingham's first home league game of the season producing a goalless draw with Stoke City, as limited goalmouth action led to a frustrating afternoon for both teams. 

After the game, Birmingham City head coach Lee Bowyer said:

''Today was a matchup between two strong powerful sides, and if you want to really break it down, I’d say a point is fair''

"Since he’s gone in there, I think their manager has made them a difficult side to play against but am I disappointed that we didn't win? Of course."

"It’s another point on the board, but when you don’t take one of those chances you have, it’s important that we keep a clean sheet."

Goals from David Brooks and Phillip Billing sealed victory for Scott Parker's Cherries last Saturday against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, with Chris Hughton's side yet to record a single point. 

After the game, Bournemouth head coach Scott Parker stated:

''I thought we did extremely well today. Coming into an intense atmosphere with fans here for the first time, apart from their cup game in the week.

"And I thought with eleven men we did very well. You’re analysing the game from my behalf a little bit differently. You then get a man sent off, which was very, very disappointing and you have to show another side to you.

"That side is one which is a desperation to keep the ball out your net, a desperation to hold onto the three points and I thought the boys did that superbly.''

  • Team News

Lee Bowyer isn't expected to make any heavy changes, but may call upon the services of Tahith Chong,  with the Manchester United loanee recently returning to training after recovering from a hamstring injury. 

Scott Parker will be without key playmaker David Brooks on Wednesday, as the Welshman was sent off on Saturday after a second bookable offence. After the game, Parker claimed that Brooks ''let the team down'', meaning a chance may be presented to academy graduate, Kyle Taylor. Fellow youth prospects Jaiden Anthony, Gavin Kilkenny and Jordan Zemura have flourished when given a chance, and all three are expected to start once more on Wednesday. 

  • Predicted lineups

Birmingham City:

Sarkic, Roberts, Dean, Pedersen, Colin, Gardner, Woods, Sunjic, Bela, Jutkiewicz, Hogan

AFC Bournemouth:

Travers, Mepham, Rossi, Kelly, Zemura, Marcondes, Kilkenny, Billing, Anthony, Solanke, Taylor

  • Ones to watch

Birmingham City- Marc Roberts

Defence has been a key strength for Birmingham thus far, with Marc Roberts a key figure in the defensive back five, dominant in the air as well as possessing a long throw which suits the direct style of Birmingham's attacks. If Blues are to keep their fourth clean sheet of the season, Roberts will play a vital part, commanding the back five and putting his body on the line in the most crucial of moments. 

AFC Bournemouth- Gavin Kilkenny

A steady figure in Bournemouth's midfield, Gavin Kilkenny has impressed since making his debut for the Cherries against MK Dons in the Carabao Cup. His ability to read the game so well at such a young age has seen the Irishman stamp his name onto Scott Parker's team sheet, with the absence of Jefferson Lerma not yet felt due to the recent performances of Kilkenny. 

  • Manager Quotes

In the build-up to Wednesday's game, Birmingham City head coach Lee Bowyer mentioned the absence of fans due to stand closures, stating:

“It’s obviously difficult what’s going on regarding the stadium, but I’ve got a good group of lads here. When they come in everyday and step onto the pitches, they give everything.

''They’re paid to entertain and win games. They’re doing well in concentrating on the important thing for them, which is playing football.

“I know the place and I know what the atmosphere would have been like had there been a lot more there.''

When talking about his former teammate, Bournemouth head coach Scott Parker said:

“He was someone I definitely looked up to and was privileged enough to play with at West Ham and Newcastle. He’s done very, very well and I’m very close with him.

“Since we’ve both gone into management, we have regular conversations and I’ve spoken to him on a few occasions regarding things. His Charlton team caused battles with us when I was at Fulham.

“We had some real battles and it was a very good, well-organised team. He certainly knows what he’s doing, so it will be a big challenge for us in midweek.”

  • Previous meetings

When these two sides last met, Bournemouth came out 3-2 winners with Arnaut Danjuma, Jack Wilshire and Phillip Billing grabbing the goals. Bournemouth have beat Birmingham seven times in a row, with Blues' last win over the Cherries coming in 2013, with Andrew Shinnie and Nikola Zigic on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win. 

  • How to watch

The game will be available to stream via iFollow this Wednesday, but ticket availability is limited.