Birmingham City begin the New Year with an away trip to Elland Road to promotion-chasing Leeds United in the EFL Championship. Neither side have won over the festive period with Blues losing to Stoke City, and then playing to a goalless draw with Bristol City.
Wayne Rooney's side had home advantage in both of their fixtures, but could not find a win, and now there is talk of him being replaced by recently sacked Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper. Leeds failed to win over the Christmas period too, losing 2-1 to Preston North End, and then losing 1-0 to Birmingham's West Midlands rivals West Brom on Friday night.
Leeds are currently fourth but West Brom's win on Friday has brought the gap betwen them and the Baggies to just three points. The Whites are six points off of Southampton, and a whole nine off of Ipswich Town who hold the second automatic spot with Leicester CIty currently running away with it. Birmingham are 20th, and are just seven points above the relegation zone. A win for Leeds would only make for a bigger gap on the chasing pack, whilst for Birmingham they could go as high as 15th with a win.
Pascal Struijk was missing on Friday, and that would have added fuel to the fire of reports linking him with a move to French giants PSG. Centre-back Struijk, who has become captain of the side this term, missed out due to an adductor injury however, and he is one of two doubts for the New Year's Day clash in Yorkshire.
Birmingham City's injury list is becoming smaller than it was, with the likes of Keshi Anderson and Tyler Roberts returning over the last week, but there are some long-term absentees such as Alfie Chang and George Hall. Leeds have had a few players out for a considerable period like Stuart Dallas, who is still working his way towards achieving full fitness after a lengthy lay-off. Here is the latest team news from both the Birmingham City and Leeds United camps ahead of kick-off.
1. Cody Drameh - out
Made a return from injury against Bristol City after missing the last five games. Unable to play against his parent club.
2. Jamie Shackleton - out
Suffered a glute train in training, and that's had him sidelied for the last month and a bit. Photo: Getty Images
3. Jamie Shackleton - out (continued)
Daniel Farke said on December 26: "Jamie Shackleton it is too soon, he’s not been in training so we’ll see how he develops." Photo: Getty Images
4. Kevin Long - available
Named amongst the substitutes against Bristol City. He missed the last nine games for Blues, but comes back at a team when defensive reinforcements will be needed.