‘Necessary’ Alfie May decision made in Birmingham City predicted XI vs Charlton

Birmingham can extend their League One winning streak to eight matches as they take on Charlton at The Valley.

Blues continued their tremendous form with a narrow 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town on Tuesday. Top scorer Alfie May netted his fifth goal of the season in that fixture, earning his side maximum points for a seventh successive league outing.

Davies’ men look like they could beat absolutely anybody in the English third tier and will be confident they can make it 25 points out of 27 this Saturday. Charlton are in a spot of bother, too, as the Addicks have lost their last three matches - against Blackpool, Stevenage and Bristol Rovers.

This weekend’s hosts could be haunted by a former fan favourite as May, last campaign’s League One Golden Boot winner in Charlton colours, is likely to start for Blues. The 31-year-old has a point to prove as he left the London club in a sour manner.

There’s an argument that Davies may decide to keep the exact same team that beat Huddersfield midweek, but there’s also a case for several players to get a run-out. With that in mind, here’s the Birmingham lineup we predict will be named at The Valley.

Birmingham predicted XI vs Charlton

GK - Ryan Allsop

Allsop finally got his chance midweek and he did well - albeit after a slightly shaky start. He should start ahead of Bailey Peacock-Farrell for the foreseeable future.

RB - Alfons Sampsted

Sampsted had his longest cameo yet as he played the entire second half against Huddersfield. The Iceland international really impressed with his passing and could just about edge Taylor Gardner-Hickman out.

CB - Krystian Bielik

Bielik put in another splendid shift last time out. Blues look rock solid in defence whenever the skipper’s in the side.

CB - Christoph Klarer

Klarer has been excellent alongside Bielik throughout the opening matches. Their partnership is probably of high-end Championship standard.

LB - Alex Cochrane

Cochrane has started the season superbly and the quality of delivery into the box has been a joy to behold. He’s an easy pick at left-back.

CM - Tomoki Iwata

Iwata couldn’t have wished for a better start to his Blues career as he’s been one of the best players on the field in every appearance to date.

CM - Paik Seung-ho

Paik’s presence of mind in and out of possession makes him arguably the best midfielder in League One. His partnership with Iwata is stupendous.

RAM - Willum Willumsson

Willumsson, another player of Championship quality, has locked down the right attacking midfield spot. He nearly scored a beautiful solo goal midweek.

CAM - Jay Stansfield

Stansfield has been absolutely excellent since signing permanently from Fulham and is without doubt one of the first names on the team sheet. What a player.

LAM - Emil Hansson

Hansson has been the most impressive of the left wide attackers so far this campaign. He’s lacked consistency at times, however, so needs to find rhythm.

ST - Alfie May

May scored his fifth goal of the season to secure Blues’ win over Huddersfield. Starting the 31-year-old is surely necessary at this point, especially as he’s got a point to prove against his former club.