Birmingham City's TV Bonus Simplifies Derby Preparations
Birmingham City manager Chris Davies is set to be handed a major selection boost ahead of the crucial West Midlands derby against West Bromwich Albion this Wednesday evening. An unexpected benefit from a television rescheduling has left the Blues boss with what could be his most straightforward team selection yet.
Form and Fixtures Align for Blues
While Birmingham City have been formidable at home, their away record remains a concern, currently standing as the fourth worst in the Championship. Correcting this form is vital for any promotion aspirations. The short trip to The Hawthorns presents an immediate challenge against a West Brom side sitting just three points behind Blues, though separated by eight places in the table.
The mood in the two camps could not be more different. Birmingham supporters are buoyant after a surge up the league, whereas Albion fans are growing restless with manager Ryan Mason after four defeats in their last six outings.
The Unlikely Advantage
Ordinarily, a manager would be contemplating changes for a demanding midweek fixture. However, the rescheduling of Blues' match against Watford to Monday evening has created a rare and welcome bonus. This fixture shift means Birmingham now have a full five days to recover both before and after the Watford game, with another five-day break before travelling to Southampton.
This calendar quirk allows Davies to deploy the same starting eleven that secured an impressive victory over Norwich City without worrying about player fatigue for the subsequent match. The only change to the lineup in the last four games has been the enforced one of Marc Leonard replacing the injured Paik Seung-ho in midfield.
Given Leonard's strong performance against Norwich, it seems unlikely Paik would immediately reclaim his starting spot even if fit. With Birmingham producing their best football under Davies, making unnecessary changes seems an unnecessary risk, and the manager's consistent team selections over the past month suggest he agrees.
Predicted Blues XI to face West Brom (4-2-3-1): Beadle; Iwata, Neumann, Klarer, Cochrane; Doyle, Leonard; Roberts, Stansfield, Gray; Ducksch.
