Birmingham City kick off their Carabao Cup campaign just three days on from their Championship opener as they head away to Cheltenham Town on Tuesday evening.
John Eustace’s side will be looking to go one step better after claiming a hard-fought point from a 1-1 draw at Swansea City on Saturday afternoon.
Blues are already very familiar with Cheltenham having played them away from home in a pre-season friendly on July 22, merely two and a half weeks ago.
That particular clash ended 3-2 in Birmingham’s favour as all five goals were scored in the first half. Keshi Anderson, Jordan James and Juninho Bacuna netted that day.
Now, though, it’s a very different kettle of fish for both teams as a place in the second round of the Carabao Cup is at stake.
Eustace will likely rotate somewhat given Cheltenham’s League One status but will still have plenty of respect for Blues’ opponents.
With all of that in mind, flick through the pages to see the starting lineup we think Birmingham will go with, as well as brief explanations for each inclusion.
1. GK: Neil Etheridge
An ever-so-reliable understudy to Ruddy, we expect Etheridge to play plenty of matches in the cups.
2. RB: Marcel Oakley
Came off the bench at Swansea to replace Laird, who was forced off with an issue. Likely to be the next choice at right-back this season.
3. CB: Kevin Long
Very unlikely to be rotated out by Eustace as Marc Roberts is unavailable with a calf injury. Solid at the back.
4. CB: Dion Sanderson
Following on from his first game as skipper, Sanderson will be one of the first names in the XI every week – even in the cup.