Birmingham City set off on their travels for the first time under new manager Tony Mowbray as they take on Stoke City in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday afternoon.
Mowbray earned his first win last time out as Blues came from behind to beat Hull City in stoppage time. That result progressed Birmingham to the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup but now the focus returns on the most important competition.
Blues drew 2-2 with Swansea City on their last league outing, equalising late on through wonderkid Jordan James. Mowbray will be keen to go one step further this time around but it will be tricky as Stoke have improved under a new boss of their own — Steven Schumacher.
The Potters have been on a decent run since they beat Birmingham at St Andrew’s on Boxing Day as they’ve drawn two and won one. The victory was their latest game, too, as they beat Rotherham United by one goal to nil.
Mowbray will show Stoke plenty of respect this weekend by selecting what he believes is his best XI after a week or so’s gauge of his new squad. With that in mind, here’s the Birmingham lineup we think will be named at bet365 Stadium.
1. GK: John Ruddy
Ruddy’s spot is normally pretty guaranteed but Neil Etheridge’s hamstring injury makes it even more of a certainty.
2. RB: Cody Drameh
Drameh has been a wonderful signing on loan from Leeds United. Blues are so much better in both defence and attack when he plays.
3. CB: Dion Sanderson
The skipper is bound to start most games as long as he’s fit, no matter the competition.
4. CB: Kevin Long
Long may not be the quickest but his aerial ability cannot be ignored. He’s been the most impressive of Sanderson’s partners this season, we believe.