New role for Ethan Laird as ‘chief creator’ gets nod - Birmingham City predicted XI vs Oxford United

Birmingham City return to St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park this weekend as they play host to Oxford United in the Sky Bet Championship.

Chris Davies’ men, unbeaten in their first two outings, will be eager to continue their strong start to the new season. Blues managed a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory away at Blackburn Rovers last time out and can take great confidence from that heading into this week.

Oxford, meanwhile, could be there for the taking at a sold-out St Andrew’s. The U’s, managed by former Blues boss Gary Rowett, lost their two opening Championship fixtures against Hull City and Portsmouth. Both defeats were only by one goal but the belief won’t exactly be flowing.

Davies doesn’t have too many selection dilemmas this weekend as his strongest lineup is beginning to take shape, though an injury worry for Alex Cochrane does mean there could be a bit of a shake-up in defence. The personnel in attack are often interchangeable, too, so there could be some surprises there.

Birmingham City predicted lineup vs Oxford United

With all of that in mind, here’s the starting XI we reckon Davies will name against the U’s.

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: Davies’ preferred option on the right so far, Osayi-Samuel has settled in brilliantly after joining from Fenerbahce. He’s readapted to this level strongly.

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 - Ethan Laird: Likely to start at left-back with Alex Cochrane a rare injury doubt, Laird’s inclusion means Davies has no selection headache on the opposite side.

CM - Tomoki Iwata: Undoubtedly one of Birmingham’s best players, Iwata has continued as being one of the first names on the team sheet. 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. Dimmy set up Dykes for his winner last time out.

CAM - Tommy Doyle: It’s tough to bench Keshi Anderson but Doyle is so technically gifted and is so effective in the number 10 role. He could be this team’s chief creator.

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.