Troy Deeney is still unavailable for Birmingham with a thigh problem (photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images).Troy Deeney is still unavailable for Birmingham with a thigh problem (photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images).
Troy Deeney is still unavailable for Birmingham with a thigh problem (photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images).

Deeney and Taylor return, defence still short: Birmingham City predicted XI vs West Brom

Some huge selection dilemmas await Lee Bowyer

Birmingham City could see a squad involving Troy Deeney and Lyle Taylor for the first time when they suit up against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

Both Deeney and Taylor have returned to training following injury ahead of the big derby game and though the former is more likely to see a place on the bench, the two could both see some playing time together for the first time.

Blues boss Lee Bowyer has a near fully fit squad to choose from for the first time in what feels like forever and it’s left him with some head scratchers both formation wise and personnel wise ahead of the contest.

Five at the back has been Bowyer’s go to this season but with the players now available, four at the back seems to be the system more suited.

There’s too much attacking talent to be throwing square pegs in round holes at the back and a 4-2-3-1 would also allow for, in theory, the side to control the game more in the middle of the park.

With all that in mind, here’s the eleven we think the boss goes with as Blues look to get one back on Albion following the defeat back in October.

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