Two surprise introductions as Chris Davies changes system - Birmingham City predicted XI vs Wrexham

Blues are in action on Thursday night for one of the most highly-anticipated League One matches of the season, away at fellow promotion hopefuls Wrexham.

It’s the return leg of what’s been dubbed the ‘Hollywood Derby’ given Wrexham are owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, while NFL legend Tom Brady has a minority stake in Blues.

Chris Davies’ side make the trip to north Wales in excellent form having won 12 and drawn two of their last 14 outings. Unbeaten since the 3-2 defeat away at Shrewsbury Town on November 23, Blues look unstoppable.

Wrexham, five points behind in the League One standings with two extra games played, will be desperate to be the team to end Birmingham’s purple streak. It’s possible, too, as Blues are missing key players Tomoki Iwata, Paik Seung-ho, Keshi Anderson and Willum Willumsson through injury.

With those absentees in mind, and with a change in formation to counteract Wrexham’s threat on the flanks, here’s the starting XI we reckon Davies will name against the Red Dragons at The Racecourse this midweek.

Birmingham City predicted lineup vs Wrexham

GK - Ryan Allsop

The boyhood Bluenose has been the first choice goalkeeper for several months, moving ahead of Bailey Peacock-Farrell who started the campaign as the number one.

RWB - Ethan Laird

Laird, who scored last time out, is in excellent form and deserves to keep his place. The former Manchester United man is of top-half Championship quality on his day.

CB - Krystian Bielik

A surprise starter perhaps given he only played seven minutes upon his return from injury last time out. Blues have turned out ok without him, but Bielik has been so important as the new captain.

CB - Christoph Klarer

Klarer has proven himself as one of the best central defenders in the division since signing from Darmstadt in the summer.

CB - Ben Davies

The manager’s namesake has delivered when called upon and deserves to start once again for Blues. The Rangers loanee has settled in impeccably well.

LWB - Alex Cochrane

Cochrane is expected to start most games for the time being as Lee Buchanan is out with another serious injury.

CM - Marc Leonard

Starts have been few and far between for Leonard this campaign but he has an opportunity with Iwata sidelined through injury.

CM - Taylor Gardner-Hickman

Gardner-Hickman has been an excellent utility option so far this term, used by Davies in a host of positions. That’s likely to the case again with Paik still out.

RW - Jay Stansfield

Back into the XI last week against Exeter, Stansfield will be raring to go for one of the biggest matches this season. A goal at The Racecourse would infuriate a few in the opposite dugout.

LW - Ayumu Yokoyama

The other surprise addition, Yokoyama’s pace and skill would suit well on the transition when Wrexham push forward. The Japanese put on exhilarating display in the Vertu Trophy recently..

ST - Alfie May

May, last season’s Golden Boot winner, has scored 10 goals and made five assists in 24 League One games this term.