Birmingham City are back amongst their home supporters as they host high-flying Ipswich Town at St Andrew’s in the EFL Championship on Saturday, November 4.
Wayne Rooney is still without a victory after suffering three straight defeats so far and it doesn’t get any easier for him when Ipswich come in to town. The newly promoted side have had a fabulous start to the season and are currently second, nine points clear of third-placed Leeds United.
Last time out they fell behind to Plymouth Argyle but recovered and won 3-2 thanks to an own goal from Bali Mumba, and goals fromm George Hirst and Marcus Harness. As for Birmingham, they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Southampton in the lunch-time kick-off but there was some controversy surrounding the referee's decision not to award Birmingham a penalty following an apparent foul on Oliver Burke from goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.
The Tractor Boys were in action on Wednesday night, exiting the Carabao Cup at the round of 16 stage after losing 3-1 to Fulham at Portman Road. Several changes were made with the likes of Christian Walton and former Aston Villa man Axel Tuanzebe making their first appearances of the season and so we should see several changes from former Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna on Saturday.
The last meeting between these two sides was a 1-1 draw back in April 2019. Lukas Jutkiewicz opened the scoring for Birmingham and then Gwion Edwards equalised, but it wasn't enough as the result relegated Ipswich from the Championship. Jutkiewicz and Marc Roberts are the only Blus remaining players from that match.
Without further ado, here’s the latest injury and team news from both Blues and the Tractor Boys camps:
1. Keshi Anderson - out
Anderson sustained a hamstring injury against QPR in late September. He has missed the last five games, and will likely miss out again. Photo: Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
2. Wes Burns - out
Sidelined with a shoulder injury that he picked up whilst on international duty with Wales in mid-October. Photo: Ashley Allen/Getty Images)
3. Wes Burns - out (continued)
“Hopefully there is no requirement for surgery,” said Kieran McKenna. He’s out of the sling and he’s starting to do some exercises in the gym. “As I said, it will be in and around the international break before he can get going again.” Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images)
4. Ethan Laird - fit
Amongst the substitutes against Cheltenham. He hasn’t played since mid August, but his return is a welcome one. Photo: Cameron Howard/Getty Images)