Reda Khadra gamble and double midfield switch - Birmingham City predicted XI gallery v Preston
Team news and predicted Birmingham City starting XI ahead of Blues’ clash with Preston North End in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday.
Birmingham City play host to Preston North End this weekend as John Eustace hopes to guide his team to their first Championship victory since December 16. Blues managed a 2-1 win away at Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup Third Round midweek and they will be eager to build momentum from that.
It has been a torrid time for Bluenoses of late as their side have lost four successive Championship games, conceding 11 goals in the process. Even when Birmingham did last taste victory, at home to Reading over a month ago, they still let in two. Eustace will be eager to put the record straight.
Preston, meanwhile, have slumped to 13th in the league standings after four defeats in their last five outings. The North End did earn three points away at Stoke City on January 2, but they have fallen well away from the playoff spots – where they were originally hoping to finish.
Regardless of their drop in form, Ryan Lowe’s side remain a difficult opposition to face and Blues will need to be at their best to get out of their own rut. With that in mind, here is the strong starting XI we think Eustace will go with this weekend. See below.
1. GK: John Ruddy
Has been absolutely brilliant between the sticks throughout Blues’ impressive spell of form. Established himself as arguably the first name on the team sheet.
2. CB: Dion Sanderson
Been a regular for Blues this season, working well alongside the likes of Trusty and Dean.
3. CB: Kevin Long
Bluenoses will be relieved Long signed given Birmingham’s injury problems. Netted his first goal for the club at Forest Green.
4. CB: Auston Trusty
Has, rather incredibly, played every single Championship minute this season. Set to stay that way.