Dion Sanderson replacement picked as ‘hit-and-miss’ midfielder dropped - Birmingham City predicted XI vs Hull City

Birmingham City are in Sky Bet Championship action for a second time in four days as they take on Hull City away from home on Tuesday evening.

Blues will be keen to bounce back after Saturday's heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to Southampton but it won't be easy as Hull are on a roll and pushing for the play-offs. Liam Rosenior's side are unbeaten in their last five league fixtures and must keep up the pace to maintain a place in the Championship top six, making this a tricky trip for Birmingham.

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Assistant manager Mark Venus, stepping in for Tony Mowbray during his absence, is staying calm about relegation as he believes the squad is more than capable of staying up. Sky Bet League One is looming with Blues just one goal difference above the bottom three but the confidence is there. Points need to be gained soon, though, if survival is to be a reality.

Birmingham predicted lineup vs Hull

Venus is likely to rotate his starting 11 this midweek with Blues travelling to MKM Stadium just three days after Saturday's knackering defeat. Dion Sanderson is suspended after his red card, too, meaning at least one change will be forced. With that in mind, here are the 11 players we predict to start on Tuesday.

GK: John Ruddy

Ruddy will be mightily disappointed with conceding seven across the last two matches. The experienced goalkeeper will be desperate to keep the score down at Hull.

RB: Ethan Laird

Laird returned to his favoured right-back position against Southampton. It wasn’t the best performance defensively but he’s often been one of Blues’ star men since signing.

CB: Cody Drameh

Drameh, who has played in this role before, could move to centre back as the Leeds United loanee looks more assured than Emanuel Aiwu currently.

CB: Marc Roberts

Roberts is back from a calf strain and should start as Dion Sanderson is suspended. Birmingham were expected to appeal the red card but an announcement hasn’t been made.

LB: Lee Buchanan

Buchanan made his first start in three weeks on Saturday. He defended fairly well for the most part but was let down by an error leading to David Brooks’ goal. He’ll be keen to bounce back.

CM: Ivan Sunjic

Ivan Sunjic could benefit from rotation as a ball-winning midfielder for Blues. Paik, meanwhile, has been hit-and-miss, with some performances outstanding and others underwhelming. He could also do with a rest.

CM: Andre Dozzell

Dozzell didn’t exactly set the world alight in the defeats to Ipswich and Southampton, but he wasn’t at fault for a great deal. He was great in the wins over Blackburn and Sunderland prior.

CAM: Juninho Bacuna

The Curaçaoan was Blues’ best player on the weekend as he scored one and assisted another. His drive and confidence in midfield can be key in avoiding relegation.

RW: Koji Miyoshi

Miyoshi, arguably the best creative force in the team, scored Birmingham’s opener against Southampton. He probably won’t play the full 90 but a start is expected.

LW: Siriki Dembele

Dembele didn’t feature on Saturday but could play at Hull as Blues look likely to rotate in attack. The winger’s pace could be key in breaking down the Tigers’ sturdy defence.

ST: Jay Stansfield

Stansfield scored a stunner at the weekend to end his seven-game run without a goal. Venus will want more of the same from the on-loan Fulham striker.