Lukas Jutkiewicz decision & Bielik forced out - Birmingham City predicted XI gallery vs Swansea
Birmingham City are back in Sky Bet Championship action just three days after they recorded a well-fought 2-1 win away at Stoke City. Blues return to St Andrew’s as they take on Swansea City in a top-half clash.
John Eustace’s side soared into 11th place in the league standings on Saturday, courtesy of goals from Scott Hogan and Harlee Dean. Travelling fans were particularly happy to see the latter get on the scoresheet as he has been in tremendous form since returning from injury.
It was a second successive game with less possession of the ball than the opposition, but Bluenoses didn’t seem to care as their side was clinical on the weekend. Supporters will be hoping for much of the same as Blues head back to home soil.
Swansea, who are currently two spots above Birmingham, are a good side and will likely put on quite the show. Blues are of course in great form and high on confidence at the moment, but Russell Martin’s side could prove to be a bit of an obstacle.
The Swans haven’t won in three outings, though, most recently being held to a 2-2 home draw to Wigan Athletic. Before that, they lost 1-0 to Preston North End and only managed to scrape a point against Bristol City a few days earlier.
Bluenoses may see this as arguably one of the better times to face Swansea. As is the nature of a highly-congested fixture schedule, however, Eustace will likely have to rotate his side a little and this could make things a little tougher. With that in mind, here is what we think the Blues starting lineup will look like - in a 3-5-2 formation.

1. GK - John Ruddy
Wonderful display against Stoke with seven saves. A true leader from the back and quite frankly an easy choice.

2. CB - Marc Roberts
Been back in training for a week after an injury and could replace Dion Sanderson, who looked a little tired last time out after so many games in quick succession.

3. CB - Harlee Dean
In the form of his life at the moment and won’t want to give up a place, even if he has started seven games in a row.

4. CB - Auston Trusty
Solid as per usual against the Potters, especially in the air. Arsenal loanee is near-enough irreplaceable at the moment.