'Clumsy’ defender misses out as 'electric' new signing gets nod - Birmingham City predicted XI vs Wycombe

Blues travel to Adams Park with renewed confidence after an impressive 1-0 victory away at Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup midweek.

Although not as meaningful as a league clash, the game was another opportunity for Chris Davies’ new-look squad to gel in a competitive setting. Brandon Khela’s wonder strike from distance sealed a spot in the second round, while the likes of Ryan Allsop, Marc Leonard and Keshi Anderson shone at The Valley.

Following on from an underwhelming 1-1 draw to open the season at home against Reading last weekend, Birmingham will be determined to earn their first three points. Wycombe won’t be an easy opposition, though, as shown last weekend as they fought hard to narrowly lose 3-2 at Wrexham.

Davies has several selection dilemmas to consider this Saturday, including in defence. Dion Sanderson is suspended after picking up two clumsy yellow cards, while Khela’s scintillating performance in an auxiliary left-back role gives Davies something to ponder.

The midfield and attacking positions definitely aren’t locked down, either, as the spot alongside Marc Leonard in the double pivot is up for grabs and the forward slots supporting Alfie May are interchangeable.

Birmingham City predicted lineup vs Wycombe Wanderers

With all of the above in mind, here’s the Birmingham XI we predict will be named away at Wycombe.

GK - Bailey Peacock-Farrell

It’s still a close call between the goalkeepers but we think Peacock-Farrell just about keeps Ryan Allsop out of the XI for now, at least in the league.

RB - Ethan Laird

Laird has some top competition in Alfons Sampsted but should be safe in the XI at the moment, while the Iceland international settles.

CB - Christoph Klarer

The Austrian has an opportunity to step up in the league. Sanderson misses out through suspension following two clumsy yellow cards against Charlton.

CB - Krystian Bielik

The new skipper had a good rest midweek as he played just 10 minutes to help Blues see it out at the end. Bielik is one of the first names on the team sheet.

LB - Alex Cochrane

Cochrane will likely return to the lineup while Lee Buchanan continues his recovery from a calf issue. Khela played brilliantly at The Valley but Cochrane remains the more natural left-back.

CM - Marc Leonard

Leonard struggled a little against Reading but was superb at Charlton. Able to dictate the play from deep, the former Brighton man looks a natural fit.

CM - Paik Seung-ho

The South Korean should return to the XI, replacing Tyler Roberts. Paik needs to build consistency but should have license to roam next to Leonard.

RW - Koji Miyoshi

Miyoshi is one of the most creative players in the squad and he links up excellently with Laird down the right flank.

LW - Emil Hansson

Hansson was electric off the bench against Reading and put in another decent shift midweek. The Swede simply has to start ahead of Siriki Dembele.

CAM - Keshi Anderson

Anderson, if he can stay fit, has the potential to be a key player for Birmingham. The manner in which he dribbles between the lines is seriously impressive.

ST - Alfie May

May opened his Blues account from the penalty spot last weekend and he’ll be keen to kick on from that with another strong showing.