Birmingham City are back in action on Friday evening as they play host to Queens Park Rangers in the Sky Bet Championship. Blues head into the clash on the back of an unfortunate 2-1 defeat away to Blackburn Rovers - a game in which they dominated.
Having registered 57% of the ball and six shots on target compared to Blackburn’s four, City put on a good show for supporters at Ewood Park. It just wasn’t to be on the day and now they will be hoping to bounce back with a positive result against QPR.
It won’t be easy, though, as the Rs have been in top form with four victories in their last five league matches, including a 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic last weekend. John Eustace’s former side, where he was an assistant head coach for four years, have excelled under new manager Michael Beale.
So much so, Beale has been linked with a move away to Wolverhampton Wand in the Premier League just months after leaving the dugout as a coach at Aston Villa. Only Sheffield United (26) and Burnley (30) have scored more goals than QPR this season, so City will have to be at their best to shut them out.
Here is the team we predict will line up against the Rs, in a 3-5-2 formation with a few changes from City’s last outing.
1. GK - John Ruddy
Ruddy has established himself as the Blues’ first choice in between the sticks, ahead of Neil Etheridge. He is expected to keep his place with two clean sheets in his last five appearances.
2. CB - Auston Trusty
Trusty has become a key player in City’s back three, with the Australian having played every single minute since signing from Colorado Rapids in the summer. He scored twice against Bristol City, proving his aerial threat.
3. CB - Harlee Dean
Since returning from injury a few weeks ago, Dean has slotted into the Blues' defence as if he’d never been absent. Keeping two clean sheets in his first games back, he will be hoping to help City to a shutout.
4. CB - Dion Sanderson
Sanderson has only missed one game all season - against Hull City - and will offer some pace and physicality up against an in-form QPR side. The Wolves loanee has built a good partnership with Trusty and Dean.