Birmingham City remain on the search for their first win under Wayne Rooney as they travel to Southampton in the Saturday lunch-time kick-off in the EFL Championship.
Blues suffered a 2-0 defeat to Hull City on Wednesday evening with former Aston Villa man Jaden Philogene on the score-sheet to rub salt into the wounds. Rooney received boos as he headed to the dugout from the home faithful, and so far he has overseen two defeats after losing to Middlesbrough last weekend. Saturday’s opponents salvaged a point on Wednesday night as they drew 2-2 with Preston North End at Deepdale. Kyle Walker-Peters gave the Saints the lead but a three-minute salvo from Preston gave them the lead, however a Ched Evans own goal in the sixth minute of injuy time ensured Southampton wouldn't be returning to the South Coast empty handed.
Birmingham have dropped out of the play-offs on the back of two consecutive defeats and are now down six places in 12th to where they were before the international break. A win coupled with results going in their favour could at least get them to as high as sixth though there would need to be a considerable goal-swing against Cardiff City and West Brom. Southampton are currently fifth and a victory could take them above Leeds United and Preston North End.
Flick through to see who’s and out and who’s a doubt ahead of the EFL Championship clash between Southampton and Birmingham City. Our gallery explains who is missing, and the nature of either their confirmed or potential absence.
1. Ethan Laird - doubtful
He’s been sidelined for the last two minutes with a hamstring injury sustained against Bristol City. Photo: Getty Images
2. Ethan Laird - doubtful (continued)
Wayne Rooney said to BirminghamLive: “It would be a push to get Ethan involved on Saturday, but there’s a slight chance that he might be. “We need to be cautious as well because the injuries that they have had, if they reoccur then it won’t be good.” Photo: Cameron Howard/Getty Images)
3. Che Adams - doubtful
The forward was substituted after half-time against Preston North End. He hasn’t played against the Blues since leaving St Andrew’s in 2019, and now a reunion is in doubt. Photo: Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
4. Che Adams - doubtful (continued)
Russell Martin said to the Daily Echo: “He’s picked up an injury and it’s frustrating. It’s really frustrating for him and for us. “This is the problem with going away on international duty and their routine is different, it’s the same with Carlos (Alcaraz) and Stuey (Armstrong). “We don’t decide without speaking to them and getting them involved in it, and I think it was the right thing (to start them from the bench) for 60 or 70 minutes.” Photo: George Wood/Getty Images)