'Bold' replacement for Krystian Bielik as two-goal hero earns start - Birmingham City predicted XI vs Lincoln

Birmingham are back in League One action this Saturday afternoon following a weekend off during the international break.

Blues head out on the road to take on the in-form Lincoln, in fourth place having picked up 18 points out of the first 27 available. Head coach Michael Skubala has led the Imps to five wins, three draws and one defeat in their opening nine matches, so it’ll be a tough for Birmingham to claim all three points.

Davies’ men will be desperate to get back to winning ways in the league after suffering their first defeat of the season on October 5, a narrow 1-0 loss away at Charlton Athletic. Alfie May failed to make a dream return to his former club as Blues didn’t register a single shot on target despite dominating possession.

There was a decent response in the FA Trophy as Birmingham dismantled Shrewsbury Town by four goals to nil. Blues were far more clinical in that fixture but the reality is Lincoln will be a difficult kettle of fish. Davies is bound to show this weekend’s opponents plenty of respect as a result.

The big talking point on the team news front is who will come in to replace Krystian Bielik in central defence. The skipper will be sidelined for several weeks after sustaining an ankle injury during the defeat at Charlton, so some big responsibility will fall on the shoulders of a fringe player.

With all of that in mind, here are the 11 Birmingham players we predict will be named at LNER Stadium this Saturday.

Birmingham City predicted XI vs Lincoln City

GK - Ryan Allsop

The boyhood Bluenose has been handed his chance following a collection of errors from Bailey Peacock-Farrell. Allsop hasn’t been in electric form either, but his spot seems safe for now.

RB - Taylor Gardner-Hickman

Gardner-Hickman appears to have locked down the right-back position in Ethan Laird’s absence, just ahead of Alfons Sampsted.

CB - Dion Sanderson

Sanderson impressed in the FA Trophy win at Shrewsbury and could be the man to get the nod while Krystian Bielik is sidelined through injury. It’s a tough call.

CB - Christoph Klarer

Klarer has been excellent alongside Bielik throughout the opening matches. It’ll be interesting to see how the Austrian does alongside a different centre-back partner.

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 has two goals and two assists to his name so far.

CAM - Jay Stansfield

Stansfield has been absolutely excellent since signing permanently from Fulham and is without doubt one of the first names on the team sheet. What a player.

LAM -  Scott Wright

Wright was the man of the match in the 4-0 win at Shrewsbury as he scored twice and assisted another. He should be rewarded with a start in the league.

ST - Alfie May

May was quiet against his former club Charlton but remains Blues’ top scorer with five goals in League One this term.