Birmingham City head away to Blackpool on Saturday afternoon as they take on their first taste of Sky Bet Championship action for over four weeks. The long pause during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar has allowed John Eustace’s side to recoup some energy after a rather brutal bout of fixture congestion throughout October and November.
At one stage, Blues had eight games in the space of three weeks and it caused problems with many players suffering from fatigue. Now, though, Birmingham are refreshed and they are boosted by the return of quartet Harlee Dean, Gary Gardner, Nico Gordon and Nico Roberts.
This weekend’s opponents, Blackpool, were also delighted to have some time off but for a different reason - due to their poor form in early November. Defeated in four successive Championship games, Michael Appleton’s side plummeted down to 23rd in the table and they will be desperate to bounce back.
To make matters worse, the Tangerines have “six or seven players out until January at least” according to Appleton. The Blackpool manager was unwilling to reveal the identities of those missing, as to “not make Birmingham’s job easier,” but it seems they are rather stricken ahead of the clash.
Eustace and his men will likely be lipping their lips, as a victory on Saturday could lift Blues to as high as sixth in the table depending on other results elsewhere. With that in mind, here is how we think Birmingham’s starting XI will look at the weekend.
9. RWB: Maxime Colin
Although he can play in a back three, Colin often plays his best football further forward as a right wing-back. Always gives his best. | Getty Images
10. ST: Scott Hogan
Netted nine goals this campaign and is Birmingham’s top scorer after netting in successive matches before the World Cup. No reason to drop the Irishman. | Getty Images
11. ST: Troy Deeney
Although Lukas Jutkiewicz scored against Sunderland and was starting to show some quality again, Deeney is probably the stronger of the two. Proven to work well alongside Hogan. | Getty Images