However, just before half time Coventry's Clinton Morrison and McIndoe were both denied by Preston keeper Andy Lonergan.
Clinton Morrison, on for the injured Carter, was foiled by Jens Lehmann on 67 minutes after being released by Pandiani.
BBC: SPORT | Football | Premiership | Birmingham 2-1 Arsenal
Clinton Morrison, one of eight changes to the Sheffield Wednesday side, put them ahead against the run of play with an exquisite chip.
Birmingham got their reward when Clinton Morrison acrobatically turned Anderton's corner onto the crossbar, and Upson reacted sharply to bundle home the loose ball.
Newcastle central defender Andy O'Brien is one of those who missed the journey, as did Manchester City's Richard Dunne and new Birmingham striker Clinton Morrison.
Coventry, who hit the bar in the dying seconds, took the lead on 32 minutes when Clinton Morrison headed home unmarked at the far post.
Palace led 3-0 at the interval thanks to a Tom Soares strike, and goals from Scott Sinclair and Clinton Morrison completed the rout in the second half.
As the action swung to the other end, Scott Sinclair toe-poked a chance weakly and Clinton Morrison also failed to get power into an effort after a sweeping move.
But of concern is the lack of first-team football his two main strikers Robbie Keane and Clinton Morrison have played so far this season going into the game, amassing just 121 minutes between them.
The Rams combative midfielder had previously been involved in several scuffles and numerous Coventry players surrounded Savage after Clarke was dismissed, while Sky Blues skipper Clinton Morrison protested in vain to the referee.
However, they would and should have been behind in the 25th minute when Clinton Morrison got into a great position in the box, but somehow managed to knee the ball over the bar from a yard out.
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