Birmingham City return to Championship action on Monday night with a home fixture against Watford at St. Andrew's, aiming to continue their impressive recent form.
Blues in Strong Form Ahead of Hornets Clash
Under manager Chris Davies, Birmingham City have begun to show the quality many anticipated at the start of the season. The team is now in the top half of the table and sits just four points outside the play-off places, with a game in hand on some rivals. A victory against fifteenth-placed Watford would propel Blues into seventh position.
Their home form has been particularly formidable, winning their last three league matches at St. Andrew's and scoring four goals in each. Watford, known for their unpredictability, will provide a stern test as Birmingham chase a fourth consecutive home league win.
Defensive Selection Dilemmas for Davies
The backline has been a foundation of Birmingham's improved results, which saw just one defeat in five matches during November. James Beadle, on loan from Brighton, is expected to continue in goal for his tenth consecutive start. Captain Christoph Klarer and Phil Neumann are set to partner in central defence, with Alex Cochrane at left-back.
The first enforced change comes at right-back, where Tomoki Iwata is suspended. The Japanese international picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the midweek draw at West Bromwich Albion. His absence is a blow, but it opens the door for summer signing Bright Osayi-Samuel to be recalled to the starting eleven.
Midfield and Attack Decisions
Another key decision surrounds midfielder Paik Heung-ho. The South Korean has been a crucial player this season but has been managing a shoulder injury. Although fit enough to start against West Brom, Davies may opt to rest the 28-year-old to avoid aggravating the issue. This could see Marc Leonard handed a start in the centre of the park alongside Tommy Doyle, who provided the assist for Birmingham's goal last time out.
In attack, Marvin Ducksch is in fine scoring form with three goals in his last two matches and will lead the line. The fluid attacking trio of Jay Stansfield, Patrick Roberts, and Demarai Gray are expected to continue behind him, having developed a promising understanding in recent weeks.
Predicted Birmingham City starting XI (4-2-3-1): Beadle; Osayi-Samuel, Klarer, Neumann, Cochrane; Doyle, Leonard; Roberts, Stansfield, Gray; Ducksch.
