‘Struggling’ forward axed as Alex Pritchard injury decision made - Birmingham City predicted XI vs Southampton

Birmingham City return to home soil on Saturday afternoon as they play host to automatic promotion chasers Southampton in the Sky Bet Championship.

It was a 3-1 defeat last time out for Mark Venus' men as the trip to Ipswich Town, another side pushing for promotion, proved too difficult. Even despite winning the two games before that, Blues are now just three points above the relegation zone.

A game in hand, set to be played against Middlesbrough in a couple of weeks, could be crucial to getting out of trouble but the focus will of course now be on Southampton. The Saints looked unbeatable throughout December and January but they've suffered a little in recent weeks, losing three of their last five outings.

It'll still be incredibly tricky for Birmingham to get anything out of this game whatsoever, though, with an outstanding performance required. What could boost Blues' chances is a host of injury returnees this week, with Venus having extra choices for selection.

Birmingham predicted lineup vs Southampton

Here are the 11 players we predict will start for Blues at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park on Saturday, in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

GK: John Ruddy

Ruddy will be disappointed he conceded three last time out but it was just the one let in throughout the two games previous.

RB: Cody Drameh

Drameh has been an excellent signing on loan from Leeds United. This will be another good test for the full-back, up against talented forwards.

CB: Krystian Bielik

Bielik missed the Ipswich clash due to a groin injury but he’s been training this week and is expected to return to the XI immediately.

CB: Dion Sanderson

The skipper arrived back into the lineup at Portman Road and did an alright job, albeit not his best afternoon.

LB: Ethan Laird

Laird has been favoured to Lee Buchanan in recent weeks, with the latter hardly getting any game time whatsoever.

CM: Seung-ho Paik

Paik has been one of the best players on the pitch in two or the three matches he’s started for Blues so far. The South Korean oozes class.

CM: Andre Dozzell

Dozzell didn’t exactly set the world alight against his former side, Ipswich, but his partnership with Paik is showing signs of real promise.

CAM: Alex Pritchard

Pritchard is finally ready to start again following the injury he picked up on his debut, against West Brom. Tyler Roberts, meanwhile, has struggled and is axed.

RW: Koji Miyoshi

Miyoshi has been Blues’ best creator for a while now and that showed again as the Japanese assisted Jordan James’ goal at Ipswich.

LW: Jordan James

James has been enjoying a new role over on the left flank. The Welshman scored his eighth goal of the season last weekend.

ST: Jay Stansfield

Stansfield is suffering from quite the goal drought, with his last goal coming seven games ago. His pace on the counter-attack could be vital against the Saints, though.