Birmingham City predicted line-up vs West Brom: Stansfield starts as big decision made on Iwata
Birmingham City’s predicted line-up to face West Brom
After giving new Norwich City boss Philippe Clement a brutal welcome to life in the Championship, Birmingham City will now look to further cement their status as promotion challengers with a victory against local rivals West Brom.
It’s a fixture which sees two former Ange Postecoglou confidantes collide, with both Chris Davies and Ryan Mason having spells as coaches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier in their careers.
After a slow start, Birmingham enter this fixture in ninth position and just one point behind the play-off places after a run of four victories from their last six. Meanwhile, in stark contrast Mason’s Baggies are well off the pace in 17th position - they’ve won just one of their last six matches and are amongst the lowest scorers in the division despite a spirited display in a 3-2 loss to leaders Coventry City last time out. Ahead of kick-off, we take a look at how Birmingham are likely to set up in an intriguing encounter at the Hawthorns.
Birmingham City predicted line-up vs West Brom: goalkeeper and defence
GK: James Beadle: The Brighton loanee has started all of the last eight matches and looks to have now established himself as the first choice after an initial bedding in period. He should keep his place as he targets another big three points for his team.
RB:Tomoki Iwata: Japan international Iwata is becoming a more accomplished right-back with each passing week and is currently doing enough to keep Bright Osayi-Samuel out of the team despite the Nigerian’s return to fitness.
CB: Phil Neumann: The German has started all of the last six matches and is really starting to settle in the Championship after initially struggling to nail down a regular starting spot.
CB: Christoph Klarer: The club captain and one of the first names on the team-sheet. Klarer has adapted excellently since making the jump from the third-tier to the Championship and has been rewarded with a new long-term deal.
LB: Alex Cochrane: A near ever present in the back-line, Cochrane has been solid this season and is also a good source of creativity going forward.
Birmingham City predicted line-up: midfield and attack
CM: Tommy Doyle: The Wolves loanee is growing in confidence with each passing week and looks really well suited to the manager’s system. They’ll hope to keep him beyond January amid rumours that Rob Edwards is considering recalling him.
CM: Marc Leonard: Paik Seung-ho’s recent shoulder injury leaves Leonard in a strong position to start in central midfield. He’s made nine appearances in the Championship but is yet to register a goal contribution.
CAM: Jay Stansfield: After scoring a brace against Norwich City, Stansfield will hope to get into double figures for the season sooner rather than later. He’s on eight so far and has been a catalyst for the team’s improved form.
RM: Patrick Roberts: The Sunderland loanee has started all of the last five matches and is beginning to show signs of his best form after an initial slow start.
LM: Demari Gray: The Jamaica international created two goals in an excellent display against Norwich last time out. He’ll hope to keep that form going in a highly-anticipated encounter with West Brom.
ST: Marvin Ducksch: The big summer signing finally got off the mark with a double against Norwich and will expect to lead the line once again after an impressive performance.