First start for £850k signing as star man earns rest - Birmingham City predicted XI vs Fulham

Blues play host to the Cottagers on Tuesday night in what promises to be an interesting test against Premier League opposition.

Birmingham are unbeaten in competitive fixtures under their new head coach but their biggest test yet awaits. Fulham, 10th in the top tier as it stands, are 39 places above Davies’ side in the English footballing pyramid.

Many would assume playing the strongest possible lineup would make the best sense against such tough opponents but the wider focus is on League One. Birmingham will one day want to challenge for major trophies again but the reality is the Carabao Cup is most likely out of their reach at this stage.

It may seem a pessimistic approach, but rotation has to be expected as a result of Blues’ desire to throw everything into achieving promotion back to the Championship. Saturday’s clash against Wigan Athletic, also at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, won’t be easy and has to be the priority.

Birmingham City predicted lineup vs Fulham

With all of the above in mind, here’s the Birmingham lineup we predict will be named against Fulham.

GK - Ryan Allsop

Allsop, only just behind Bailey Peacock-Farrell in the goalkeeping pecking order, is bound to start every cup match.

RB - Alfons Sampsted

The Iceland international will be keen to challenge Ethan Laird at right-back this season and this is a good opportunity to prove a point.

CB - Krystian Bielik

The captain should start against such tough opponents. The 11-time Poland international is probably the closest to Premier League level out of anyone in the squad.

CB - Ben Davies

Davies only arrived on Sunday but should be match fit following a full pre-season with Rangers. He could start as the manager rotates.

LB - Brandon Khela

Khela was the hero in the previous round away at Charlton and deserves another start. The 19-year-old is actually a midfielder but impressed at left-back.

CM - Taylor Gardner-Hickman

The former West Bromwich Albion man appeared off the bench at Leyton Orient and should get a start in the cup. Marc Leonard can then be kept fresh for the weekend.

CM - Tyler Roberts

Roberts is a level above League One when at his best but his minutes have been limited. Midfield is probably the position he’s likeliest to feature in.

RW - Koji Miyoshi

The Japanese, who has been benched by Keshi Anderson over recent matches, should get an opportunity to show why he should regain his place.

LW - Ayumu Yokoyama

Blues could go double Japan on the flanks, handing a first start to £850,000 signing Yokoyama. The winger has shown great promise in his brief cameos.

CAM - Willum Willumsson

Willumsson has been edged out of the XI by Luke Harris after a slight knock halted a run of starts. He should get a decent run-out here.

ST - Lukas Jutkiewicz

The Juke could suit this clash well as Blues will probably have to sit deeper than usual and play more long-ball football. Star man Alfie May has earned a rest.