‘Positive’ forward earns start but Wayne Rooney forced into multiple changes - Birmingham City predicted XI vs Stoke City

Here’s how Birmingham City are expected to line up against Stoke City in the Championship on Boxing Day.

Birmingham City return to St Andrew's on Boxing Day as they play host to Stoke City in the Sky Bet Championship. Wayne Rooney's side head into the game having scored three goals at Plymouth Argyle but will be frustrated to have let a two-goal lead slip as they drew 3-3 in Devon.

There was so nearly an early Christmas present for the sold-out away end but a red card for Krystian Bielik completely changed the game, putting Birmingham under the cosh. It was a very harsh red, too, causing Blues to feel hard down by as they travelled back to the West Midlands.

Another good opportunity awaits to get all three points, though, as Stoke are in a troublesome situation. The Potters recently pinched Steven Schumacher from Plymouth but his debut didn't go particularly to plan as a 0-0 draw was played out with Millwall.

Stoke, who are down in 19th place and three points below Blues, are without a win in their last nine games. Birmingham will be keen to take advantage of that form on Tuesday. Here's the starting lineup we think Rooney will go with in order to have the best chance of a positive result.

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