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Blues require a shape shift at the Cottage

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Birmingham City have picked up just two points on the road this season – 1-1 draws at Derby and Sheffield United. The trip to Fulham this Saturday represents another daunting away fixture for Blues who will be backed by more than 4,000 fans.

Any plans Steve Cotterill had of sticking to the 3-5-2 formation were put to bed when Harlee Dean was dismissed against Wolves for a second bookable offence. Cotterill must now revert back to a flat back four.

Whether the Blues boss opts for a three, four or five man midfield remains to be seen but, judging by recent weeks, his team selection won`t be the most attack minded as he looks to grind out points.

Che Adams simply has to start. With Isaac Vassell likely to be out for the rest of the season, Adams is Blues` only striker capable of crafting chances for himself and creating space for others.

Personally, I`d have Jota in behind as a no.10, allowing him to pull the strings with the hope it provides Adams with a bit of ammunition. I`d also persist with Jeremie Boga. He may not have performed to the best of his ability on Monday night but he has pace and always gives defenders something to think about. Jacques Maghoma should return on the opposite flank.

The midfield needs freshening up so I`d pick one from Maikel Kieftenbeld, Jason Lowe or David Davis to play the holding role alongside either Craig Gardner or Stephen Gleeson.

Unfortunately, due to a squad imbalance and a suspension, three of the back four pick themselves – Jonathan Grounds, Michael Morrison and Marc Roberts. Carl Jenkinson could stake his claim ahead of Emilio Nsue.

MY XI v FULHAM: 4-4-1-1

Stockdale
Jenkinson, Morrison, Roberts, Grounds
Boga, Davis, Gleeson, Maghoma
Jota
Adams

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