Are Blues a goalscorer away from top six?

Birmingham City are about to embark on another season which is sure to be topsy-turvy. Bettering the tenth placed finishes that have marked the last two campaigns will be a big ask.

REALISTIC EXPECTATION

Similarly to last season, Blues’ aim must be to have something to play for with ten games to go. Two thirds of clubs in the Championship will be expecting a play-off place come May and Blues are no different.

However, let’s not forget, the Championship is a very tough league to get out of and is made even tougher by the financial gap widening between the newly relegated sides and the likes of Blues.

BEST CASE SCENARIO

A play-off spot will be massively difficult to achieve but isn’t totally beyond Blues. If they can find their best form and ensure it doesn’t peter out, you just never know.

Saying that, on paper, I’d say Blues have a comfortable mid table squad so a little punching above their weight could prove to be enough to sneak in through the back door.

WORST CASE SCENARIO

Obviously the worst case scenario in any division is flirting with relegation. If every side in the division finished in order of their finances, Blues would be 21st. So in that respect, finishing tenth has been a decent return.

Blues’ squad shouldn’t be struggling at the wrong end of the table and with a manager like Gary Rowett, the team should have enough nous to be looking up rather than down. But you just never know.

Of course, another disappointing outcome would be losing Rowett if the team is doing well.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New signing Robert Tesche will be a valuable asset if he’s half as good as he was during his loan spell in 2015. His energy and distribution was a major positive.

Our other new boy Ryan Shotton will make for an interesting watch. Can he prove himself as a genuine central defender?

I’d also like to see Viv Solomon-Otabor progress. This could be a massive season for him if he can take the bull by the horns and seize his opportunity.

MOST EAGERLY ANTICIPATED FIXTURES

Obviously the derbies against Villa. It’s great to have them back and I’m both looking forward to them and dreading them in equal measure.

Wolves games are always an occasion too. But that is no longer the game we look for on the fixture list.

PREDICTION

If Blues can find their scoring boots and keep a solid base, I’d like to think we could finish between 6th and 9th meaning we’ve got a chance of a play-off spot.

However, the realist in me would settle once again for a steady tenth.