Birmingham City welcome supporters to St. Andrew’s tonight as they take on Millwall in the Sky Bet Championship. The game comes just five days after a glorious - and rather unexpected - 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers.
QPR had been flying up the table and were starting to look like a real promotion threat, but Blues were clinical on Friday evening. An audacious backward flicked effort from Austin Trusty and a curled effort outside of the box from Emmanuel Longelo claimed all three points.
With three wins and a draw in their last five matches played, John Eustace has got his side playing with great confidence. They are now in the top half of the league standings and could even soar into the top 10 with a victory against Millwall.
The Lions have themselves been in good form, though, as they enjoyed an impressive four-game winning streak before a surprise 1-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town at the weekend. Blues will be hopeful this shock result will have knocked Millwall’s confidence a little, but the fixture still won’t be easy.
The east London side are in 9th place ahead of the clash but could be leapfrogged by City if Eustace’s men run out victorious. In order to have the best chance of doing just that, here is how we predict Birmingham’s starting 11 to look - in a 3-5-2 shape.
1. GK - John Ruddy
Saved a penalty against QPR and commanded his area very well. Has lots of experience and is effective leading from the back.
2. CB - Auston Trusty
Scored a goal of the season contender last time out and displayed top character in defence. Was booked for a shirt pull but that was his only error all match.
3. CB - Harlee Dean
Even without a goal Dean made just as much of an impressive performance as Trusty against QPR. A key man since his injury return.
4. CB - Dion Sanderson
Real powerhouse in defence over recent weeks, making last-ditch challenges and putting his body on the line. No need to change a clean sheet-keeping back three.