Birmingham City Manager Chris Davies Faces Selection Headaches Ahead of Middlesbrough Clash
Birmingham City are set to host second-placed Middlesbrough on Monday evening at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, with kickoff scheduled for 8pm. Manager Chris Davies is forced into making significant changes to his starting lineup due to suspensions and injuries affecting key January signings.
Midfield and Defensive Absences Create Challenges
Jhon Solis is unavailable through suspension, while Kai Wagner is expected to miss the match with a shoulder injury. These absences create notable gaps in midfield and at left-back, requiring Davies to find creative solutions.
In midfield, Tomoki Iwata and Tommy Doyle are predicted to partner together for the first time since Birmingham's victory at Preston in October. The lack of cohesion between these two players is a concern, compounded by the absence of Paik Seung-ho, who remains sidelined without an obvious replacement.
Defensive Adjustments and Tactical Considerations
Replacing Wagner presents multiple options, though none are straightforward. Ethan Laird appears to be the most suitable candidate, but Davies has expressed doubts about his readiness after only two substitute appearances in five months.
Given that Middlesbrough's wingers often cut inside, Davies might opt for Jack Robinson at left-back as a tactical adjustment. The defensive unit is expected to feature James Beadle in goal, with Bright Osayi-Samuel, Christoph Klarer, and Jonathan Panzo completing the backline.
Attacking Decisions and Predicted Lineup
The attacking positions spark the most debate. Carlos Vicente's poor performance against Millwall on Wednesday night suggests Patrick Roberts could reclaim his spot on the right wing, especially given Roberts' strong record at St Andrew's.
On the left wing, Ibrahim Osman also disappointed in the previous match, while Demarai Gray impressed as a substitute. Gray is likely to return to the starting lineup in that position.
Up front, the partnership of Jay Stansfield and Marvin Ducksch is favored. Stansfield has scored nine of his ten goals this season at home, and Ducksch typically performs better at St Andrew's. August Priske's physicality might be less effective against experienced defender Luke Ayling.
Predicted Birmingham City XI (4-2-3-1): Beadle; Osayi-Samuel, Klarer, Panzo, Robinson; Iwata, Doyle; Roberts, Ducksch, Gray; Stansfield.
