‘Athletic’ 23-year-old gets nod as Chris Davies makes wholesale changes - Birmingham City predicted XI vs Bristol Rovers

Blues return to League One action this Saturday as they welcome Bristol Rovers to St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

Following Tuesday’s 2-1 victory away at Exeter City in the last 32 of the Vertu Trophy, Birmingham have won five games on the trot and Davies will be keen to make that six this weekend.

It’s a good time to play Rovers as they are currently 18th in the League One standings after successive defeats against Blackpool and Leyton Orient. Matt Taylor’s side have misfired in front of goal, scoring just once in their last five outings across all competitions.

Davies is still bound to show plenty of respect to his opposition, though, with a return to a full-strength starting XI expected following on from mass rotation midweek. With that in mind, here’s the lineup we reckon will be named against Rovers.

Birmingham City predicted lineup vs Bristol Rovers

GK - Ryan Allsop

The boyhood Bluenose has become the first choice goalkeeper following a host of errors from Bailey Peacock-Farrell at the beginning of the campaign.

RB - Krystian Bielik

The captain has been utilised in an unfamiliar right-back role recently and he’s played well, justifying Davies’ decision.

CB - Christoph Klarer

Klarer has proven himself as one of the best central defenders in the division since signing from Darmstadt in the summer.

CB - Ben Davies

The manager’s namesake has delivered when called upon and deserves to start once again for Blues. The Rangers loanee has settled in impeccably well.

LB - Ethan Laird

Laird, athletic and capable of playing on either side, is likely to be called upon at left-back as Alex Cochrane is out. Lee Buchanan needs to be eased back in.

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 one of the best midfielders in League One. His new contract couldn’t be more deserved.

RW - Keshi Anderson

Anderson scored the winner for Blues midweek and he’s in the form of his life. Davies is delighted with the winger’s progress of late.

CAM - Willum Willumsson

‘Thor’ is now back after illness and looks set to regain his position in attacking midfield. It’s a little harsh on Luke Harris, but the competition is fierce.

LW - Jay Stansfield

It doesn’t really matter where Stansfield plays, he always has an impact. With Anderson on the right and Willumsson central, the left flank is available.

ST - Alfie May

May ended his nine-game goal drought with a brace against Stockport and then notched an assist at Barnsley. The striker is in great form again.