Blues welcome fellow title challengers Wrexham to St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park on Monday night, eager to prove a point early on in the race for promotion.
Birmingham didn’t play last weekend as the clash away at Exeter City was postponed for the international break, so the majority of the squad is rested and fresh to give it their all under the lights. Davies’ men headed into the interval in fine form having recorded three wins and a draw in their opening four fixtures.
Wrexham, unlike Blues, did feature last weekend and they soared to the top of the standings as a result. Phil Parkinson’s side recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town, following on from a draw with Bolton Wanderers and wins against Peterborough United, Reading and Wycombe Wanderers.
On the team news front, Monday’s hosts have a growing injury list but the squad depth gained from a busy summer transfer window gives Davies plenty of options.
Birmingham City predicted lineup vs Wrexham
Including a goalkeeping dilemma and a tactical decision for Jay Stansfield, here’s the Blues XI we think will take on Wrexham.
GK – Ryan Allsop
Allsop could come in for a first league start if Davies is bold enough to punish Bailey Peacock-Farrell for several errors made – both for club and country – in recent weeks.
RB – Alfons Sampsted
The Iceland international has impressed in his two appearances so far and should start while Ethan Laird is out injured.
CB – Krystian Bielik
The 11-time Poland international is probably the closest to Premier League level out of anyone in the squad. Having the captaincy makes him even more of a guaranteed pick.
CB – Christoph Klarer
Klarer has formed a nice early partnership with Bielik, one that most would argue is Championship standard at the very least.
LB – Alex Cochrane
Cochrane’s run of league starts is set to continue as Lee Buchanan is still a couple of weeks out from returning from a calf injury.
CM – Marc Leonard
Leonard’s arrival has boosted Birmingham to no end. The former Brighton man compliments Davies’ system so well and there’s an air of confidence whenever he’s in possession.
CM – Paik Seung-ho
Paik has pretty much locked down the spot next to Leonard, but he still faces competition. Blues rejected bids from Championship clubs in the summer, he’s that good.
RW – Jay Stansfield
Stansfield started through the middle against Walsall but could move out to the right as May heads central. The other flank would inhibit the attacker as Davies prefers the left winger to stay wide.
LW – Emil Hansson
Hansson has been the most impressive of the left wide attackers so far this campaign. Davies will want another decent showing under the lights.
CAM – Willum Willumsson
Willumsson has shown glimpses of real quality since signing from Go Ahead Eagles. We fancy him to start with Luke Harris injured on international duty.
ST – Alfie May
May, League One’s Golden Boot winner last season and already the top scorer this term with four in four, surely has to lead the line.
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