Birmingham City are in Sky Bet Championship action this weekend as Gary Rowett and his men travel an hour northeast to face Leicester City.
Up against title challengers, there’s no expectation for Blues to get a result but the motivation is certainly there. Rowett managed a win on his return to the St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park home dugout as Blues beat Preston North End 1-0 but it’ll be mightily difficult to back that up.
It’s a good time to face the Foxes, however, as Enzo Maresca’s side have faltered over recent weeks. Leicester were clear favourites to be named champions only a month or so ago but now they’re below Ipswich Town and Leeds United. There’s a game in hand still but the pressure is on.
Rowett will be keen to take advantage of Leicester’s recent woes with an upset on the cards if everything goes Blues’ way. Including an injury returnee, here’s the Birmingham lineup we predict will be named at the King Power Stadium for the best shot at an underdog success story.
1. GK: John Ruddy
Ruddy had hardly anything to do last time out but he definitely won’t mind as Blues secured their first clean sheet in nine matches.
2. RB: Ethan Laird
The former Man Utd man was one of the better performers during the poor run and was solid against Preston.
3. CB: Emanuel Aiwu
The Austrian struggled earlier this campaign but he’s done a decent job in the last few matches. Marc Roberts’ injury makes the position rather locked down.
4. CB: Dion Sanderson
Sanderson, back near his best against the North End, faces a much tougher challenge this weekend. He’ll need to be at his absolute best.