Chris Davies makes two controversial attacking changes as trio start together for first time - Birmingham City predicted XI vs Mansfield
The fixture congestion is ramping up for Birmingham City, possibly tempting manager Chris Davies into some squad rotation.
Blues head out on the road this weekend to face the high-flying Mansfield Town in a League One clash at Field Mill.
The Stags, fourth in the English third tier, have started the new season in excellent fashion with just two defeats in their opening 11 matches. head coach Nigel Clough has led his team to seven wins in those fixtures, rising confidence ahead of a potential play-off push.
Birmingham, four points clear at the top of the league with nine wins and a draw, must respect Mansfield this weekend. Davies will want as fresh legs as possible having seen just how hard the Stags work. Intensity and sharpness could be pivotal.
With that in mind, here are the 11 Blues players we reckon will start this weekend, including a couple of surprise inclusions.
Birmingham City predicted XI vs Mansfield
GK - Ryan Allsop
The boyhood Bluenose has been handed his chance following a host of errors from Bailey Peacock-Farrell. He’s certainly stepped up in the last couple of matches.
RB - Ethan Laird
Laird made a great impact upon his return off the bench at the weekend. It’s perhaps a little harsh to drop Taylor Gardner-Hickman but Laird is the better right-back.
CB - Christoph Klarer
Klarer, the stand-in skipper during Krystian Bielik’s absence, has proven himself as one of the best central defenders in the division.
CB - Ben Davies
Davies has been getting the nod ahead of Dion Sanderson and that’s likely to continue following another solid showing.
LB - Alex Cochrane
Cochrane has started the season superbly and the quality of delivery into the box has been a joy to behold. He’s an easy pick at left-back.
CM - Tomoki Iwata
Iwata couldn’t have wished for a better start to his Blues career as he’s been one of the best players on the field in every appearance to date.
CM - Paik Seung-ho
Paik’s presence of mind in and out of possession makes him arguably the best midfielder in League One. His new contract couldn’t be more deserved.
RAM - Willum Willumsson
Willumsson, another player of Championship quality, has secured the right attacking midfield spot. He’s contributed three goals and three assists so far.
CAM - Marc Leonard
Leonard came off the bench early on midweek and played excellently as the number 10. It’d be great to see him, Iwata and Paik all start in the same lineup for the first time.
LAM - Jay Stansfield
Stansfield is fit to start again and he always looks effective when cutting in from the flank. Keshi Anderson is in terrific form but Davies won’t want to overwork him given his injury record. Stepping out of the XI for one game could be sensible.
ST - Lyndon Dykes
Dykes is due a start in the league and Alfie May hasn’t scored in his last three outings, so this feels like a good time to rotate - as controversial as it may be.