Opinion: Predicted line up Vs. Burnley

As we head towards the end of another up and down season in the Sky Bet Championship, Birmingham City are preparing themselves for yet another battle as second placed Burnley come to town.

Earlier in the season when the two sides met, Blues continued their unbeaten start to the season as they picked up their fourth point of the campaign in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Turf Moor.

However, eight months on and things are a little different now. After Tuesday nights defeat against Leeds United, Blues all but had their slim play-off chances completely squashed and they are now looking to play for just pride whereas Sean Dyche’s men are battling away at the top of the table.

With Middlesbrough winning their game in hand on Tuesday night against Reading, Burnley slipped off the top of the table and into second, now two points off the top, and if they come away from St.Andrews with anything but a win then their title bid could soon be over.

Blues will have it tough on Saturday with the Clarets being arguably the strongest side in the division, next to Boro of course, and with the threat of Scott Arfield and Andre Gray, things could get messy for Gary Rowett’s side if they aren’t careful.

Down below is the side that I would send out to face Burnley this weekend along with the seven substitutes…

GK: Kuszczak
RB: Caddis
CB: Morrison
CB: Shotton
LB: Grounds
CDM: Davis
CDM: Kieftenbeld
RAM: Cotterill
CAM: Toral
LAM: Maghoma
ST: Donaldson

Substitutes: Legzdins, Spector, Gleeson, Solomon-Otabor, Fabbrini, Vaughan, Lafferty.

As you can see from the side that has been selected above, I have made three changes to the one that lost 2-1 on Tuesday night.

The clear change is that I have restored Tomasz Kuszczak back to his post in between the sticks because I think Adam Legzdins may have blown his chances.

Then in the heart of the midfield, I have made a slightly controversial call. On Tuesday evening, Stephen Gleeson looked knackered and I think starting him on the bench could be a decision that Rowett might have to make.

For that reason, I have opted to put Jon Toral back in his usual number 10 spot which means I have moved Clayton Donaldson back up top, leaving on loan striker Kyle Lafferty on the bench.

Blues fans, do you agree with the starting XI that has been predicted? Would you make the changes that have been made? Let us know in the comment section down below!