Making significant changes between Championship fixtures is rarely ideal, yet Chris Davies must act decisively following another uninspiring display from Birmingham City against Blackburn on Good Friday.
Amidst little Championship table motivation, Davies prioritizes improving performances over immediate results, especially with around 2,000 passionate Bluenoses filling the away stand, eager for an entertaining spectacle.
Ipswich presents one of the Championship’s toughest away challenges. The Tractor Boys have amassed 43 points from 20 matches at Portman Road, boasting the second-best home record behind league leaders Coventry City.
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Birmingham’s away record has been poor this season—12 losses in 20 fixtures and a -15 goal difference place them in the bottom four on the road.
Several selection changes could boost Davies’ chances. Phil Neumann’s recall is key; while the German centre-back hasn’t fully impressed, Birmingham’s results improve notably when he partners Christoph Klarer. Neither Jack Robinson nor Jonathan Panzo have justified keeping Neumann out.
Though Tomoki Iwata has faced criticism, he remains Birmingham’s strongest option at right-back if Ethan Laird continues at left-back.
Midfield balance has been elusive, but the pairing of Paik Seung-ho and Jhon Solis supported some of Birmingham’s best results earlier this year.
Up front, starting Carlos Vicente and August Priske is sensible. Priske shone as a substitute on Friday, demonstrating the attributes to succeed in the Championship. Having invested effort in signing the 6’4” Dane, giving him game time now is essential for development.
It’s important to manage expectations for Priske in such a challenging fixture; so far, his starts have mostly come away at Norwich, Millwall, and Charlton. His progress will become clearer once he enjoys a consistent run, including matches at St Andrew’s.
Vicente should be the creative catalyst for Priske, using his pace and desire to deliver early crosses—perfect against an Ipswich side likely to dominate possession.
The front four must also include mobility and experience; this is not the right match for Marvin Ducksch.
Jay Stansfield should support Priske from behind, while Demarai Gray faces pressure to rediscover his best form. Since returning from injury in the New Year, Gray’s performances have been underwhelming. Many had expected him to lead Birmingham’s campaign in the Championship, and now he must deliver.
Proposed lineup (4-2-3-1):
Beadle; Iwata, Neumann, Klarer, Laird; Solis, Paik; Vicente, Stansfield, Gray; Priske
Ins: Neumann, Solis, Vicente, Gray, Priske
Outs: Robinson, Doyle, Roberts, Osman, Ducksch