Opinion: Predicted line up Vs. AFC Bournemouth

Birmingham City prepare to face AFC Bournemouth on Saturday and manager Gary Rowett will be hoping that his side can put things right after the Cherries last visit to St.Andrews.

The result was a sour one for Blues fans to swallow as the south coast side put eight goals past Darren Randolph 13 months ago when caretaker boss Malcolm Crosby was in charge.

On the day Eddie Howe’s team were by far superior, but they were however helped slightly in the game when David Edgar was sent off in the sixth minute, but the only thing certain had he stayed on the pitch is that it probably would have been four or five goals rather than eight.

So far this season in the Premier League, Bournemouth have been blowing hot and cold with their results. In previous weeks they have picked up impressive wins against the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, but things may change when they arrive in B9.

Blues head into the game on the back of three straight home wins, something which hasn’t happened in the past four years. Rowett has built up a very strong unit and personally I believe that now Demarai Gray has left the club, the likes of Viv Solomon-Otabor can begin to shine.

Down below is the team that I would send out against the Cherries along with the substitutes.

GK: Legzdins
RB: Caddis
CB: Morrison
CB: Spector
LB: Grounds
CM: Kieftenbeld
CM: Davis
CM: Gleeson
RW: Maghoma
ST: Donaldson
LW: Solomon-Otabor

Substitutes: Kuszczak, Lowry, Toral, Shinnie, Brock-Madsen, Robinson, Cotterill.

As you can see I have decided to change a few things in this weeks squad purely because it is the cup and I don’t think Rowett will have his mind set on a cup run in all honesty.

I have changed the formation that Blues usually play. I have reverted back to the tried before 4-3-3 because I think having three in midfielder against Bournemouth could be a crucial thing.

Having said that, with both Jon Toral and Andy Shinnie on the bench allows the Blues boss to change things up should he look to go on and win the game if we are in a respectable position.

I have switched the goalkeepers round as I thought it was time Adam Legzdins had some game time and he is our usual cup ‘keeper.

Dropping the previously mentioned Toral has meant that I have brought David Davis into the side and I just think his extended work rate in that central midfield role could make all the difference.

Blues fans, what do you think of this weeks predicted line up? Do you agree with the changes that have been made? Would you change anything after last weekends 2-1 over Brentford? Let us know in the comment section down below!