Birmingham City could all but secure their Championship status on Saturday afternoon as they take on Blackburn Rovers at St Andrew’s. It will be tricky for Blues to claim all three points against a tough opposition, but the opportunity is there regardless to soar well away from the bottom three.
It was a delightful day for John Eustace’s men last time out, as they beat fellow relegation battlers Queens Park Rangers away from home in a huge six-pointer. Tahith Chong’s fourth-minute strike was enough to secure victory, sending Birmingham nine points clear of the drop.
Blues will have taken plenty of confidence heading into the international break and they also have the possibility of welcoming back some faces for this weekend. It will undoubtedly be a big challenge this weekend, however, as Blackburn are just as - if not more - desperate for a positive result.
The Riversiders have won four of their last five games and are well on the charge to qualify for the play-offs. With that in mind, we believe Eustace will go full strength for the clash, with the likelihood of needing to sit in and counter attack very much on the agenda. Here’s our predicted star
1. Birmingham City predicted starting lineup vs Blackburn Rovers
Flick between the pages to see the 11 players we think Eustace will start on Saturday.
2. GK: John Ruddy
Has taken on the captain’s armband in Troy Deeney’s absence and has done well recently. The three goals conceded midweek weren’t through faults of his own.
3. RB: Maxime Colin
Has been near-enough everpresent recently and has now had the international break to rest. Should stay in the team.
4. CB: Marc Roberts
Had one of his best performances in a Blues shirt last time out so deserves to keep his spot in the XI.