Birmingham City will be hoping to make it three wins on the bounce as they take on Reading away from home in the Sky Bet Championship on Good Friday. Kicking off the Easter weekend with a 3pm fixture, Blues can soar to as high as 14th in the league standings with another victory.
John Eustace has finally got his team firing again after a rough couple of months with Blues now just a handful of points away from securing their second-tier status for next season. Nine is now the gap to the drop and that can be extended to up to 12 with a positive result this Friday.
Reading started the season well but they are in quite a rut at the moment. They were just two points below Birmingham a week ago, but a six-point deduction now inflicted by the Football League for financial budget breaches in 2021 sees them deep in the relegation battle.
Paul Ince’s side have failed to win any of their last five matches, drawing two and losing three. Just one point above the bottom three after their punishment, The Royals will be desperate to move away from trouble. This will make it tougher for Blues, but confidence is high at the moment.
Last week, Eustace matched Blackburn’s formation by playing a 4-2-3-1. Considering Reading play the same shape - and with such success last week - we think Blues will continue the trend. With that in mind, here’s our predicted XI. See below.
1. Birmingham City predicted starting lineup vs Reading (A)
Here are the 11 players we think Blues will start on Good Friday, from the goalkeeper through to the striker. | Getty Images
2. GK: John Ruddy
With two clean sheets in a row, the goalkeeper is back in some of his best form. His experience at the back is crucial. | Getty Images
3. RB: Maxime Colin
Has been near-enough everpresent throughout the second half of the season and deserves to keep his place. | Getty Images
4. CB: Marc Roberts
Putting in consistent performances for Blues, with plenty of aerial duels won and some improved play out from defence. | Getty Images