How Birmingham City’s monster new-look side could line up if late summer window deals go through
Birmingham City are hoping to mount a promotion push in their first term back in the Championship
Birmingham City were just seconds away from a fairy tale return to the Championship season when a controversial late penalty for Ipswich Town cancelled out Jay Stansfield’s strike in a 1-1 draw at St Andrew’s.
The encounter saw two of the leading contenders for promotion lock horns in what quickly became a feisty encounter with both teams doing everything they could to try and win the game. It was an encouraging start by the Blues despite their penalty heartache and it stands them in good stead for games against Blackburn Rovers, Oxford United and Leicester City throughout the remainder of August.
The Blues have already been one of the biggest spenders in the division this summer after steamrolling their way to the third-tier title but may have a few more tricks up their sleeves from a transfer perspective before the window slams shut on 1 September. With that in mind, based on recent rumours, we take a look at how Birmingham could line-up in the first game after the window closes on 13 September against Stoke City.
Goalkeeper and defence
GK: Ryan Allsop: The battle for the No.1 spot seems to be an intriguing one at St Andrew’s this year. Ryan Allsop was solid throughout last year in League One but loanee James Beadle will have high hopes of usurping him after impressing for Sheffield Wednesday on loan last term.
RB: Bright Osayi-Samuel: The new signing from Fenerbahce was awarded the Man of the Match on the opener against Ipswich and is likely to be the first choice in his position throughout large chunks of the season.
CB: Ben Davies (potential signing): Ben Davies thrived at St Andrew’s throughout his loan spell from Rangers last term. He remains a key transfer target this summer and could potentially join on a permanent basis. It’s likely that move will see him compete with Phil Neumann for a starting spot alongside Christoph Klarer, with Chris Davies building a competitive squad for the 46 game campaign.
CB: Christoph Klarer: The Austrian in many peoples eyes was the club’s best performer throughout last season, leaving him in pole position to be the main centre back in the second tier.
LB: Alex Cochrane: The former Hearts man was massive for the Blues in their promotion push and has likely done enough to earn himself a regular starting spot for this season.
Midfield and attack
CM: Tomoki Iwata: The former Celtic midfielder made the League One Team of the Season last term and looked a class above many in the division. He looks more than capable of making the jump up to Championship level and should rack up plenty of starts this term.
CM: Tommy Doyle: New signing Tommy Doyle failed to make the starting line-up on Matchday One but is expected to be a key figure in the middle of the park as the campaign progresses. He’s experienced promotion in the past with Sheffield United and has already proven he’s a class-act at this level.
CAM: Jay Stansfield: Jay Stansfield operated in an attacking midfield role behind Kyogo Furuhashi and looked comfortable playing against one of the best teams in the division on the opening day. He’s played for the Blues at this level before and is expected to be a standout player this year.
LW: Demari Gray: Demari Gray boasts arguably the best CV of any player in the current Birmingham squad. He’s a former Premier League winner with bags of experience from his time at Leicester City and Everton. He should play regularly in his first year back at his hometown club.
RW: Tanguy Coulibaly (potential signing) French winger Tanguy Coulibably has been mentioned as a potential target for the Blues. He recently suffered relegation from Ligue 1 with Montpellier but has experienced in the top division of French and German football which could prove appealing to Chris Davies.
St: Kyogo Furuhashi: The Japanese international was a serial-winner in Scotland with Celtic with plenty of experience at the highest level including big moments in the Champions League. He could well be a contender for the Golden Boot if he can adapt to his surroundings quickly.