New role for Gardner-Hickman as ‘creative genius’ gets Wembley nod - Birmingham City predicted XI vs Peterborough

Birmingham City’s hotly-anticipated trip to Wembley is finally within touching distance as Chris Davies’ side take on Peterborough United in the Vertu Trophy final on Sunday afternoon.

Blues have the opportunity to round off a historic week with further silverware after clinching promotion back to the Championship on Tuesday. That result midweek, a 2-1 win, was effectively a dress rehearsal for Wembley as Davies’ men were victorious in Peterborough’s own backyard.

Davies is bound to start as strong of a lineup as physically possible after resting several important players. The good news is there aren’t too many injury problems holding Blues back, so the 43,000-strong support should be treated to some of the club’s best quality football under the famous arch.

Birmingham City predicted lineup vs Peterborough

Without further ado, here’s the starting XI we reckon Davies will name at Wembley.

GK: Ryan Allsop: The boyhood Bluenose, selected ahead of cup goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell in the semi-final, will be desperate to keep a clean sheet at the home of football.

RB - Ethan Laird: Fresh to start after Alfons Sampsted stepped in on Tuesday, the energetic Laird will be buzzing to get out on the Wembley turf. The former Manchester United man relishes the big occasions.

CB - Christoph Klarer: Immensely consistent this campaign, Klarer rarely ever drops below a seven out of 10. He’ll be a guaranteed starter next season too, even with Phil Neumann arriving through the doors.

CB - Ben Davies: The manager’s namesake was rested last time out with this fixture in mind and he should start alongside his usual partner. It’ll be interesting to see whether Blues sign him permanently or not.

LB - Alex Cochrane: He’s had to play a lot of football this season with Lee Buchanan out with two long-term injuries but Cochrane has adjusted superbly. He deserves this moment more than most.

CM - Tomoki Iwata: Arguably good enough to fit in most Championship midfields, Iwata has been one of Birmingham’s star men this term. There’s no displacing him, especially for a game as significant as this.

CM - Paik Seung-ho: Enjoying a wonderful partnership with Iwata in the midfield double pivot, Paik is instrumental to this team. So many attacks start through his fine work on the half turn.

RW - Taylor Gardner-Hickman: The former West Brom man scored a goal against the Posh when playing off the left but could swap wings to help maintain an element of surprise. Gardner-Hickman can play pretty much anywhere.

CAM - Kieran Dowell: It was never going to be easy to emerge as a regular starter in such a talented attacking midfield but Dowell has more than proven his worth. The Rangers loanee has done well just behind the striker.

LW - Keshi Anderson: Seemingly a creative genius in whatever position he plays, Anderson has been a real standout forward this campaign. It’s been a pleasure to see the attacker shake off his injury woes and thrive.

ST - Jay Stansfield: Leading the line at Wembley will be what dreams are made of for Blues’ record signing. He’s certainly making his father proud and he’d love to get on the scoresheet as an added bonus.