Birmingham City has intensified its pre-season preparations during their training camp in Portugal, with the first friendly match against Huddersfield Town scheduled for Friday at Estadio da Nora. This match will give Chris Davies the chance to assess his squad’s readiness, with the focus on building fitness rather than drawing firm conclusions.
With the opening competitive fixture just four weeks away—an away Carabao Cup match against Swansea City—several critical battles for positions are starting to unfold. Last season’s near-final lineup forms the squad’s core, bolstered recently by the return of Jhon Solis and the addition of experienced centre-back Dael Fry.
Four key positional battles to watch this pre-season include:
READ MORE: Andy Burnham Proposes £21,150 Tax Charge on Households with £50,000 Assets
READ MORE: DWP Minister Responds to Timms Review: PIP Needs Radical Reform
-
Right Wing-Back: Ethan Laird’s injury has opened the door for Bright Osayi-Samuel to make a strong case for the starting spot. Osayi-Samuel comes into pre-season with two weeks of fitness advantage and solid form, positioning himself as the likely first choice unless Laird returns swiftly.
-
Midfield and Right-Back: Tomoki Iwata, who led last season’s appearances at right-back, is set to begin the camp in midfield due to squad shortages and the arrival of Jhon Solis alongside the expected return of Paik Seung-ho. His versatility makes this an intriguing competition for spots in both defense and midfield.
-
Left-Back: Lee Buchanan is aiming to regain fitness after a challenging injury spell, while Kai Wagner currently holds the position following an impressive start at Birmingham. Meanwhile, Alex Cochrane offers a tactical alternative with his exceptional passing ability and adaptability. These contrasting styles promise a compelling tussle for the role.
-
Centre-Back: Phil Neumann shone late last season but now faces competition from Dael Fry, a Championship stalwart recently signed from Middlesbrough. Fry’s experience and leadership make him a strong candidate for a starting role alongside Christoph Klarer, potentially pushing Neumann down the pecking order. However, Neumann’s availability could prove advantageous over the grueling season.
On the wings, Demarai Gray remains the uncontested choice on the left, whereas the right wing spot has Carlos Vicente and Patrick Roberts vying for prominence. Vicente impressed at the end of last season, but Roberts’ pedigree means a strong pre-season showing could alter the pecking order.
These battles not only promise an exciting pre-season but will also shape Chris Davies’ starting eleven for the new campaign. Friday’s friendly marks the beginning of these tests, offering fans a glimpse of the competition and quality within the Birmingham City squad.