Comes in to replace Juninho Bacuna, who needs a rest if Eustace can help it.Comes in to replace Juninho Bacuna, who needs a rest if Eustace can help it.
Comes in to replace Juninho Bacuna, who needs a rest if Eustace can help it.

Bielik injury causes selection headache - Birmingham City predicted XI gallery vs Norwich City

Here’s how we think Birmingham City will line up against Norwich City in the Championship on Tuesday evening.

Birmingham City are back in Sky Bet Championship yet again on Tuesday evening, as they take on play-off hopefuls Norwich City just three days after their last outing. Despite taking an early lead, John Eustace’s side were defeated 2-1 away at Huddersfield Town on Sunday.

It was a dream start for Neil Warnock as the Terriers felt the positive impact of appointing their new manager, but Birmingham are now beginning to worry about relegation. With seven points now the difference between Blues and the bottom three, it could soon become a real threat.

Last weekend’s loss made it seven defeats in the last nine league matches for Birmingham, leaving supporters incredibly frustrated. There was some relief for Bluenoses as their side did have one great week recently – beating Swansea City and local rivals West Bromwich Albion - but they have struggled again since.

It may come as some consolation that Tuesday’s opponents have also been below par of late. Picking up just four points out of the last 12 available, Norwich find themselves three outside of the play-off places, down in 9th. The Canaries were held to a 0-0 draw at Wigan Athletic on Saturday and they will need to pick up the pace soon if they are to finish in the top six.

David Wagner will have to make do without striking duo Teemi Pukki and Josh Sargent this midweek, whereas Krystian Bielik and Troy Deeney are set to miss out for Birmingham. The absence of Bielik in particular will likely have an impact as the Polish international is arguably the only player in the squad truly capable of playing as a midfield anchor.

With that in mind, here is the starting XI we think Eustace will go with on Tuesday, with yet another change in system. It was a 3-1-4-2 for Blues for the trip to Huddersfield, but we think they will line up in a 4-1-2-1-2 shape as it offers extra defensive cover without Bielik in the side. See below.

Last weekend’s loss made it seven defeats in the last nine league matches for Birmingham, leaving supporters incredibly frustrated. There was some relief for Bluenoses as their side did have one great week recently – beating Swansea City and local rivals West Bromwich Albion - but they have struggled again since.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.