Controversial benching in midfield as Jay Stansfield changes role - Birmingham City predicted XI vs Blackburn
Predicting Chris Davies’ Birmingham City lineup to face Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.
Birmingham City head out on the road for the first time this season as they take on Blackburn Rovers away from home on Saturday afternoon.
Blues, set to be joined by a sold-out 7,000-strong away end, will be eager to push on from Wednesday’s 2-1 Carabao Cup triumph over Sheffield United. Chris Davies’ side will be determined to get their first league win on the board after narrowly missing out against Ipswich Town in a 1-1 draw at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park last Friday.
Davies has a few selection dilemmas to consider this weekend, particularly at right-back and in attack. Bright Osayi-Samuel was the man of the match against Ipswich but Ethan Laird struck back by claiming the award against the Blades, so that’s a tough call. Then there’s a feeling Tommy Doyle should be starting, but it’s tricky choosing who to drop.
It may have to be Keshi Anderson who goes. The 29-year-old is a livewire and was one of Blues’ best performers last season, but there’s got to be a way of getting the new signings ahead of him. Meanwhile, the goalkeeper, two centre-halves, left-back and midfield double pivot pretty much pick themselves.
Birmingham City predicted lineup vs Blackburn
With all of that in mind, here’s the starting XI we reckon Davies will name at Ewood Park.
GK: Ryan Allsop: Last season’s League One Golden Glove winner with 21 clean sheets in 37 games, Allsop has remained as Blues’ first-choice goalkeeper. Brighton loanee James Beadle is waiting in the wings, though, and could offer strong competition.
RB - Bright Osayi-Samuel: It feels harsh on Ethan Laird to be benched after his outstanding showing midweek but Osayi-Samuel looked great against Ipswich and is likely to be Davies’ preferred option.
CB - Christoph Klarer: Immensely consistent last campaign, Klarer rarely ever drops below a seven out of 10. Determined to proved his worth at Championship level, the Austrian is a guaranteed starter once again this season.
CB - Phil Neumann: Signed on a free from Hannover, Neumann has partnered Klarer from the off. What a pairing Blues could have – potentially one of the best in the division.
LB - Alex Cochrane: As Blues are yet to sign a new left-back, there’s no reason to drop Cochrane. The former Brighton man did brilliantly last term and proved he’s got a wand of a left foot.
CM - Tomoki Iwata: Undoubtedly one of Birmingham’s best players, Iwata is bound to continue to be one of the first names on the team sheet throughout the season ahead. He’s so well-rounded.
CM - Paik Seung-ho: Deciding who partners Iwata each week will be difficult for Davies, but Doyle playing a little further forward allows Paik to slot in. The South Korean certainly proved his worth last term.
RW - Demarai Gray: Back at St Andrew’s after sealing a romantic return, Gray is yet to score but looks lively. It could take a few games for him to get going, but when he does, he should be superb.
CAM - Tommy Doyle: It’s controversial to bench Keshi Anderson but Doyle is so technically gifted and could be so effective in the number 10 role. He’s also more proven at this level.
LW - Jay Stansfield: Stanno could shift out to the left flank and drift in from wide if Doyle is to start, as Kyogo favours leading the line. It’s always very fluid anyway, so Stansfield wouldn’t be forced to stay wide.
ST - Kyogo Furuhashi: Already in scintillating form, new signing Kyogo looks like he could be a star man for Blues this season. The Japan international has wonderful technique and he appears to be a clinical finisher.