The Championship fate of Birmingham City lies in the hands of Gary Rowett and his players, with anything but a win against Norwich City unlikely to be enough to avoid relegation to League One.
Blues play host to the Canaries at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park this Saturday, kicking off at the earlier time of 12.30pm. Immense pressure is on the shoulders of all involved but it’s Birmingham’s own doing that has led to this precarious situation.
Birmingham head into the final day in 22nd position, one point below Plymouth Argyle and three behind Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers. The goal difference is strong enough to eclipse the latter two if they lose their respective fixtures, but only if Rowett’s men can muster a victory.
A draw could technically be enough to remain in the division but only if Plymouth lose by six goals or more against play-off chasers Hull City. With that unlikely, Blues must win themselves while hoping that at least one of Plymouth, Wednesday or Blackburn lose.
It’s an almighty task for Birmingham as Norwich will be keen to not only secure their play-off standing with a draw but also fifth place with a win. Finishing ahead of West Bromwich Albion is important to David Wagner’s side as it’ll earn a more favourable play-off semi-final fixture.
Rowett has plenty of dilemmas ahead of this crucial clash, including whether to start legendary striker Lucas Jutkiewicz. The 35-year-old featured briefly off the bench at Huddersfield, making a return from a lengthy knee injury lay-off. Rowett says ‘the Juke’ can play a maximum of 60 minutes.
Including that selection headache and several more, here’s the Blues starting XI Birmingham World reporter Charlie Haffenden predicts will be named this weekend.
1. GK: John Ruddy
Ruddy remains between the sticks for what is likely to be his last-ever game for Blues. Whatever your opinion of the shot-stopper, he’s been a fine servant.
2. RB: Ethan Laird
Laird has locked down the right-back spot ahead of Cody Drameh recently. We expect that to continue, with his stamina vital down the flank.
3. CB: Krystian Bielik
Bielik has probably been Birmingham’s best player since Rowett came in. He’s particularly thrived as a central defender.
4. CB: Dion Sanderson
Sanderson has been stripped of the captaincy for an off-the-field matter. That has now been resolved and he’s bound to start again, just probably without the armband.