Chris Davies risks dressing room rift as ‘misfiring’ forward axed - Birmingham City predicted XI vs Lincoln

Birmingham City return to St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park this Saturday to play host to mid-table Lincoln City.

Blues saw their remarkable 18-game League One unbeaten streak come to an end midweek as Bolton Wanderers came from behind to win 3-1 at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. Chris Davies’ men will be determined to bounce back from that setback as to not allow the likes of Wycombe Wanderers and Wrexham to make up any further ground.

As it stands, the lead at the summit of the standings is nine points with a game in hand. Completing the league double over Lincoln would up the pressure on the chasers and increase the chances of the gap building as Wycombe and Wrexham face one another next week.

Davies has a few selection dilemmas to consider this weekend as several players flattered to deceive against Bolton, while Jay Stansfield is now ready to come back into the XI following his injury scare.

Birmingham City predicted lineup vs Lincoln

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

GK - Bailey Peacock-Farrell: The Northern Ireland international had a poor game against Bolton but remains in the team for now while Ryan Allsop is sidelined. Peacock-Farrell is a great shot-stopper at his best but is currently lacking confidence.

RB - Taylor Gardner-Hickman: TGH was lucky not to be sent off for two yellow card offences last time out but has been a reliable option this season in any position. Davies is playing a risky game not playing captain Krystian Bielik but it’s the likeliest decision.

CB - Christoph Klarer: The Austrian has been immensely consistent this campaign, rarely ever dropping below a seven out of 10. He’ll be a guaranteed starter next season too.

CB - Ben Davies: The manager’s namesake has been sensational, forming a formidable partnership with Klarer. It’ll be interesting to see whether Blues sign him permanently or not.

LB - Alex Cochrane: The former Brighton man has had to play a lot of football this season with Lee Buchanan out with two long-term injuries but he’s adjusted superbly, locking down the left-back spot.

CM - Tomoki Iwata: Arguably good enough to fit in any Championship midfield, Iwata has been one of Birmingham’s star men this term. There’s no displacing him.

CM - Paik Seung-ho: Paik, who signed a new deal in October following interest from Sheffield United and Leeds United, loves playing alongside Iwata in a midfield double pivot.

RW - Willum Willumsson: Willumsson played as the number 10 midweek but could move wider as he has the technical ability to cut in from the wing.

CAM - Kieran Dowell: A superb winter signing on loan from Rangers, Dowell has provided excellent creative output just behind the striker.

LW - Emil Hansson: The Swede took his goal excellently away at Bolton but must improve on the ball if he’s to stand any chance of keeping his spot once Keshi Anderson is back.

ST - Jay Stansfield: Stanno returned off the bench against Bolton and he should start this one as the misfring Alfie May has failed to score in any of his last 13 appearances.

In other news, Birmingham face two major problems as Davies’ cynical stance becomes clear.