Birmingham City's Marvin Ducksch Poised for Leeds United FA Cup Challenge
Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has issued a warning to Leeds United ahead of Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie, highlighting the threat posed by forward Marvin Ducksch, whom he describes as a "big player" ready to test Premier League opposition.
Ducksch's Form and Fitness Concerns
Marvin Ducksch, the two-time Germany international, has been in impressive form recently, scoring five goals and providing two assists in his last eight matches. This resurgence echoes his Bundesliga performances with Werder Bremen before his summer move to England.
However, Davies expressed caution about overplaying the maverick forward. Ducksch has featured in almost every minute of Birmingham's last eight games, showing signs of fatigue in Tuesday's draw with West Bromwich Albion.
"He does thrive on these types of games. He sees himself as a big player," Davies stated. "He's had big moments and he doesn't shirk these games, he wants to show what we can do."
Managerial Balancing Act
Davies acknowledged the challenge of managing Ducksch's workload while maintaining team continuity. "My challenge is, as I said earlier in the month, the under-rotation earlier in the season in three-game weeks was something I reflected on and thought about how we play better in the third game because we looked jaded in that third game," he explained.
"I've got to find a balance of getting freshness into the team without losing continuity. There is a fine balance there and that's something I'm considering for this next match."
Alternative Attacking Options
If Davies decides to rest Ducksch, Birmingham have several alternatives:
- Jay Stansfield: The only other player trusted in the number 10 position this season
- August Priske: The £6 million January signing who has been pushing for a starting role
- Additional squad depth including Kyogo Furuhashi and Kanya Fujimoto
Davies emphasized the need for rotation: "Marvin is not going to be able to carry it the whole time as the 10, we are going to need other options and that's something I've been thinking about and working on this week."
Historical Connection
The match carries extra significance for Ducksch, who previously played under Leeds United manager Daniel Farke during their time together at Borussia Dortmund II. This reunion adds an intriguing subplot to the FA Cup encounter.
As Birmingham City prepare for their cup challenge, all eyes will be on whether Ducksch gets the opportunity to prove himself against Premier League opposition or if Davies opts for fresh legs in this crucial fixture.
