‘Unfamiliar’ role for Krystian Bielik as Chris Davies responds to Keshi Anderson blow - Birmingham City predicted XI vs Barnsley

Birmingham head out on the road this Saturday afternoon to take on the Tykes at Oakwell Stadium.

Blues will be targeting a third successive League One victory this weekend with the sights firmly set on regaining top spot in the English third tier. The top two, Wycombe Wanderers and Wrexham, are currently three points and one point ahead of Birmingham respectively.

Chris Davies will be forced into at least one change as Keshi Anderson serves a one-match suspension. There could be more rotation, too, with the fixture run becoming all the more congested as we arrive into the festive period. With that in mind, here’s the team we reckon will be named in South Yorkshire.

Birmingham City predicted XI vs Barnsley

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 in the last couple of fixtures 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 - Alex Cochrane

Cochrane has started the season superbly and his 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 one of the best midfielders in League One. His new contract couldn’t be more deserved.

RAM - Luke Harris

Wales under-21 international Harris could finally get the nod with Keshi Anderson suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.

CAM - Marc Leonard

Leonard hasn’t had many opportunities of late but he’s done well in the number 10 role when required. Willum Willumsson, meanwhile, could do with a rest.

LAM - Jay Stansfield

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

ST - Alfie May

May ended his nine-game goal drought with a brace against Stockport midweek. The striker deserves to start again ahead of Lyndon Dykes.