Birmingham City have enjoyed a solid opening part of a unique Championship season and head into a pivotal festive period knowing their results could define their targets for the new year.
With a tough-looking trip to title-chasing Burnley next on the agenda, John Eustace’s side will then face a home double-header either side of New Year with Hull City visiting St Andrews on Friday week before Middlesbrough make the same journey three days later.
Once that challenging trio of fixtures have been completed, all focus will be on the January transfer window as Eustace looks to add further quality to his squad and retain the services of a number of key members of his squad. With just weeks to go until the winter business gets underway, BirminghamWorld has utilised the services of Football Manager 2023 to predict what action the Blues manager may take during the first month of the new year.
1. GK: John Ruddy
Ruddy is actually one of the best performing goalkeepers in the Championship on the game and has kept eight clean sheets, a total only bettered by Sheffield United’s Wes Foderingham. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
2. RWB: Maxime Colin
Has provided assists and goals from right wing-back and has interest from four other Championship clubs. | Getty Images
3. CB: Dion Sanderson
Has interest from Burnley and Middlesbrough but he will see out the season at St Andrews and hopefully carry on his impressive form in the virtual world. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
4. CB: Auston Trusty
As reliable in the virtual world as he is in real life, a mainstay of both City sides. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images