Birmingham City’s recent experiment with Ibrahim Osman as a wing-back in a back three ended in disappointment during their 1-0 loss at Derby County, effectively ending any realistic hopes of a play-off push this season. With just seven games left, manager Chris Davies faces a critical task to stabilize the side and build for the future.
Heading into the Good Friday clash against Blackburn Rovers, who are scrapping to avoid relegation, Davies needs to make some strategic changes that can reignite the team’s form and appease the St Andrew’s faithful hungry for spirited performances.
Firstly, placing Ryan Allsop in goal seems a sensible move. Allsop brings experience and reliability, especially after James Beadle’s costly error in the previous fixture. With promotion dreams fading, prioritizing the club’s own players over loaned talent is essential.
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At the back, Ethan Laird might shift to right-back, a position he prefers, especially given the struggles at left-back. Jack Robinson and Jonathan Panzo have failed to deliver consistent performances, so Laird’s flexibility offers some solidity. Christoph Klarer should move over from right to left to accommodate this, and Phil Neumann, who has positively influenced team results, deserves reinstatement in defense.
In midfield, the pairing of Paik Seung-ho and Jhon Solis offers the club’s best chance to control the center of the park. Tomoki Iwata has underperformed in midfield this season, and with Tommy Doyle expected to return to Wolves, focusing on Paik and Solis makes tactical sense.
Finally, the attacking line-up should provide opportunities to blood young talents Carlos Vicente and August Priske, especially at home. Priske, who recently scored for Denmark’s under-21s, should start alongside Jay Stansfield—both players are signed until 2031 and represent Birmingham’s attacking future.
Ibrahim Osman, while he struggled at wing-back, deserves a chance on the left wing based on recent form, arguably ahead of Demarai Gray.
In summary, the following starting eleven, in a 4-2-3-1 formation, could revive Birmingham’s season:
Allsop; Iwata, Neumann, Klarer, Laird; Solis, Paik; Vicente, Stansfield, Osman; Priske.