More to come for Hughes

Mark Hughes accepts the “edge has been taken off” Manchester City’s early season promise by a run of one win in five league games.

Boss Hughes will want that statistic changed at Birmingham tomorrow when he expects to have Kolo Toure, Martin Petrov and Wayne Bridge back from minor injuries.

All three missed the midweek Carling Cup win over Scunthorpe – with Craig Bellamy and Emmanuel Adebayor both rested – but Hughes should have a virtually fully fit squad to chose from at St Andrew’s.

Only Nedum Onuoha and Robinho are still recovering from injuries, and both are close to a return.

Now Hughes hopes to take advantage of the fact last season’s big four have already lost far more matches this term than expected.

Last season Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool lost 17 league games between them. This term that figure is already nine.