Birmingham City are in Sky Bet Championship action for the final time this season as they take on second-placed Sheffield United on Monday afternoon. Already secure from the threat of relegation, Blues will want to put on a good show for supporters at St Andrew’s to end the campaign on a high.
John Eustace’s side have lost their last two league matches - against Blackpool and Coventry City - without scoring a single goal, so an improvement will certainly be needed. The Blades have nothing to play for as they have already been promoted, but they won’t be an easy opposition.
Sheffield United have won 27 of their 45 matches this campaign, losing 11 and drawing seven. In that time, they have scored 71 goals – a figure only bettered by Middlesbrough (83) and title-winners Burnley (84). The goals conceded figure is also impressive, as just 38 have been let in.
Looking ahead to a potential starting XI and there will definitely be at least one change as Tahith Chong was injured last weekend. It’s also likely that swaps will be made to allow the loan players to say their farewells on the field. With that in mind, here is the lineup we think Blues will go with.
1. Birmingham City predicted starting lineup vs Sheffield United
Here are the 11 players we think Eustace will start on Monday.
2. GK - Neil Etheridge
Been a very decent backup option to have and stays between the sticks with John Ruddy still absent.
3. RB - Maxime Colin
Just keeps on going at right-back and there’s no reason to drop him. If Eustace was going to rotate he would’ve done by now.
4. CB - Marc Roberts
Consistently one of the best Blues players since cementing his spot in the starting XI. Should retain his place.