Wayne Rooney takes on his first game in charge of Birmingham City as Blues travel northeast to face Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday afternoon. The new manager, who controversially replaced John Eustace, has had just over a week to get to know his new players and will be hoping to hit the ground running.
Rooney arrives at Birmingham with very high expectations due to the sudden nature of his arrival and the worldwide reputation he possesses. The target is to maintain the momentum set out by Eustace and to keep Blues in the play-off reckoning – a monumental task given just three points are the difference to the bottom half.
Middlesbrough, meanwhile, started the season extremely poorly with just two points in their opening seven games but a recent resurgence has restored the faith. Boro have soared out of the relegation zone and up to 16th place after winning four consecutive matches. They’ll be eager to make it five on the bounce this weekend.
The aim for Rooney is to spoil the party at Riverside Stadium and he’s likely to set up in a similar way to Eustace to try and do just that. In a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, here’s how we think Rooney’s first Birmingham lineup will look, as well as brief explanations for all 11 players included.
5. LB: Emmanuel Longelo
Stays in the team ahead of Buchanan after the full-back rolled his ankle in training a few weeks ago. Manny now has the chance to step up and make the place his own. | Getty Images
6. CM: Krystian Bielik
Worked with Rooney at Derby County and is likely to remain a key player at the base of midfield. | Getty Images
7. CM: Ivan Sunjic
Could be at risk of losing his place under Rooney but stays in the team. Juninho Bacuna is unlikely to play as he’s back from international duty later than most. | Getty Images
8. RM: Jordan James
Starred for Wales vs Croatia during the international break and deserves an opportunity, albeit in a slightly different role on the right. | Getty Images