Birmingham City return to home soil on Wednesday evening as they take on Hull City in the Sky Bet Championship. Marking the occasion of Wayne Rooney’s first game at St Andrew’s Stadium, Blues will be eager to make an instant response to Saturday’s 1-0 defeat away at Middlesbrough.
In seventh place after the weekend’s results, Birmingham can soar to as high as fourth with a win this Wednesday but it won’t be easy as Hull are an outside shot for the play-off spots this season. Liam Rosenior has done a brilliant job, making the Tigers a very tough side to face.
With that in mind, Rooney will have to put out as strong of a lineup as possible and we think a few key players may be recalled off the bench. Click through the pages to see the 11 players we reckon will start, as well as brief explanations for each.
1. GK: John Ruddy
Remains first choice under Rooney. Saved Blues from conceding far more than just the one at Boro.
2. RB: Cody Drameh
Had some trouble adjusting to the new system at the weekend but should stay in the side with Ethan Laird still a few days out.
3. CB: Dion Sanderson
One of the first names on the team sheet every week, the skipper was solid at Boro despite defeat.
4. CB: Kevin Long
Rooney has kept Long as Sanderson’s defensive partner. No need to fix something that isn’t broken.