Birmingham City return to Championship action this weekend aiming to bounce back from a disappointing defeat before the international break.
The Blues were beaten 2-1 by Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium in their last outing, leaving manager Chris Davies with work to do as they prepare to face Norwich City at home.
Norwich arrive at St Andrew's under new leadership, having recently appointed former Rangers manager Philippe Clement as their head coach.
Team News and Predicted Changes
Davies is expected to make three changes to his starting line-up for this crucial Championship encounter.
The most significant selection dilemma comes in goal, where James Beadle's availability is in doubt after the Brighton loanee picked up an injury while on duty with England's Under-21 squad.
With the club unlikely to take risks with the young goalkeeper, Ryan Allsop is predicted to start between the posts against the Canaries.
Defensive Setup
The backline is expected to see continued faith in several recent performers.
Tomoki Iwata should retain his place at right-back, having established himself ahead of Bright Osayi-Samuel despite his natural position being central midfield.
The central defensive partnership of Christoph Klarer and Phil Neumann is likely to continue, with the German duo having formed a solid understanding since Neumann's arrival from Hannover 96.
Klarer's recent new long-term contract with the Blues underscores his importance to the squad following last season's promotion from League One.
At left-back, Alex Cochrane is expected to start, though he faces future competition from Lee Buchanan once the latter returns to full fitness.
Midfield and Attack Reshuffle
The midfield sees a forced change with Paik Seung-ho ruled out due to a shoulder injury sustained against Middlesbrough.
This opens the door for Marc Leonard to step into the starting eleven, giving the midfielder an opportunity to impress against Norwich.
Alongside him, Tommy Doyle should continue in central midfield despite speculation about a potential recall from his parent club Wolves in the January transfer window.
In attacking areas, Patrick Roberts is set to feature on the right wing following his positive impact since arriving on loan from Sunderland.
Demarai Gray, who scored against Middlesbrough, will likely operate from the left flank, looking to use his pace and directness to trouble the Norwich defence.
The advanced midfield role behind the striker is expected to be filled by Jay Stansfield, who has enjoyed decent form this season with seven goals in 15 appearances.
In perhaps the most notable selection decision, Chris Davies appears ready to give Kyogo Furuhashi another opportunity up front despite the Japanese striker's struggles to find form since his arrival.
The former Celtic man is predicted to get the nod ahead of Marvin Ducksch as he looks to finally make his mark for Birmingham City.
Full Predicted Birmingham City XI vs Norwich City: Allsop; Iwata, Klarer, Neumann, Cochrane; Doyle, Leonard; Roberts, Stansfield, Gray; Kyogo.
