Birmingham City are in Emirates FA Cup action for the third time this January as they take on Leicester City at King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Underdogs and with one eye firmly on the grudge match at West Bromwich Albion next weekend, Birmingham see this encounter as a free hit. Tony Mowbray of course wants to progress in the FA Cup but he doesn't see Blues winning the competition, so the pressure has been taken away.
That could work in the favour of the 5,132 Bluenoses making the trip to Leicester on Saturday as Birmingham can play with freedom. Mowbray, who has overseen one draw and two wins so far, is likely to give opportunities to players he hasn't seen in great detail just yet while maintaining a strong XI.
With that in mind, here's the Birmingham lineup we reckon will be named at King Power Stadium, including a decision for recent injury returnee Ethan Laird.
1. GK: Neil Etheridge
Etheridge, who is typically the goalkeeper utilised in cup competitions, is now back from a brief injury.
2. RB: Cody Drameh
Drameh has been seriously impressive since signing on loan from Leeds. Ethan Laird is now back in full training but Mowbray is unlikely to risk him from the start.
3. CB: Dion Sanderson
The skipper is bound to start every game as long as he’s fit, no matter the competition.
4. CB: Krystian Bielik
Bielik appears to be trusted by Mowbray as a central defender. His lack of pace and agility is concerning but his passing out from the back is effective.