Birmingham City return to Championship action this Saturday, eager to build on their recent successes at St Andrew’s and make the most of their remaining time at the historic ground.
Earlier this week, the club marked a significant milestone with the unveiling of their new 62,000-seat stadium design. Tom Wagner declared, “Work begins right now,” signaling the start of an exciting new chapter, expected to be completed by 2030.
In the meantime, manager Chris Davies faces the immediate challenge of maintaining the momentum created by back-to-back 4-0 home victories as they host Norwich City. This fixture presents a tricky test, with Norwich yet to claim a home win this season, despite securing solid results on their travels. Meanwhile, Philippe Clement prepares for his first match in charge of the Canaries.
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Player availability is a key concern for Davies, with some Blues players returning from international duty. Demarai Gray and Bright Osayi-Samuel both logged heavy minutes for Jamaica and Nigeria respectively, while Lyndon Dykes arrives with renewed energy after helping Scotland qualify for their first World Cup since 1998. However, Paik Seung-ho remains sidelined due to a recent injury sustained against Middlesbrough.
James Beadle returned early from England Under-21 duty after a head injury but is expected to retain his place as goalkeeper.
Our writers weigh in on Davies' likely starting XI. Beadle’s form and fitness secure his spot between the posts. The defensive unit remains unchanged, with Tomoki Iwata continuing at right-back instead of filling the midfield role left vacant by the injured Paik. Iwata’s chemistry with Patrick Roberts on the right flank has been one of Birmingham’s key attacking strengths, and Davies is unlikely to disrupt this pairing.
Marc Leonard is forecasted to slot into midfield alongside Tommy Doyle. While Leonard may not match Paik’s forward dynamism, his recent form makes him a dependable choice. Doyle may take on added creative responsibilities in this adjusted setup.
The attacking trio appears settled with Roberts, Jay Stansfield, and Marvin Ducksch all likely starters. The main selection dilemma is on the left wing, where Gray and Keshi Anderson are closely matched in form. However, Anderson’s freshness could be decisive given Gray’s rigorous international commitments with Jamaica.
Echoing this perspective, another writer also supports Beadle as the starting goalkeeper and keeping the back four intact. The notion of moving Iwata to midfield and replacing him with Osayi-Samuel at right-back is dismissed due to Osayi-Samuel’s recent international travel. Leonard remains the favored midfield replacement, and the forward partnership of Stansfield and Ducksch is gaining momentum.
With a midweek fixture against West Brom looming, Davies is expected to opt for caution by selecting Gray on the wing.
Predicted Birmingham City XI (4-2-3-1):
Beadle; Iwata, Neumann, Klarer, Cochrane; Leonard, Doyle; Roberts, Stansfield, Anderson; Ducksch