Birmingham City head to Burton Albion away later on today. After recent Gary Rowett interviews with both the Birmingham Mail and the official club website stating that he will be naming close to his strongest XI, I have decided to try and predicted the line up that he will be using.
Rowett, who is heading back to his former side for the first time since he left, also confirmed that the players who don’t start today will be getting 90 minutes in next week’s behind closed doors fixture against Benfica B.
I have looked at all the possibilities ahead of the game and some positions I struggled with as there are players who deserve to be in there but aren’t. My predicted line up is as follows:
GK: Legzdins- I have chosen Legzdins ahead of Kuszczak because I think he looks more commanding in his area and at times a better keeper than the former Manchester United shot stopper.
RB: Eardley- With Caddis being injured and Cogley only being young, I chose Eardley because he is the best possible replacement. Despite his injuries over the past season, he has looked fit and strong in preseason so far and hopefully he can continue his good performances against Burton.
CB: Morrison- A straight forward choice really! Nobody looks set to knock Morrison off his perch this season, so his name just had to be in there.
CB: Spector- After a good game against Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday night, I put Spector in ahead of the likes of Robinson and Harding because I think he has the strongest potential to be our starting centre back next season.
LB: Grounds- Similar to Morrison, yet another straight forward choice for me. Was arguably one of our best players last season and it looks as though he will carry it on into this season.
CDM: Gleeson- The Irish midfielder has looked good throughout preseason so far and his stability in the heart of midfield will always be needed. Gleeson had to be in there for me.
CDM: Brown- A bit like the situation with Caddis and Eardley, David Davis is injured and at this moment in time, Reece Brown in the best replacement for him following the release of Royston Griffiths earlier this week.
RAM: Cotterill- Yet another main stay in the team. After a good start to last season, the Welsh international will be hoping to continue the form all the way through the season this year and his performances so far over the past three games have looked very promising indeed.
CAM: Novak- One of the positions I struggled with who to choose! Both Andy Shinnie and Lee Novak have had good preseasons so far, but for me, Novak has looked the most improved out of the two and I think he may just get the nod ahead of Shinnie.
LAM: Gray- Dimi will always be one of the first names on the team sheet for me! His passion, flair and enthusiasm at times is what makes him such a great player to watch! Never in any doubt as to whether he would be in my team or not!
ST: Donaldson- Yet another player who’s name will always be one of the first on the team sheet. After scoring on Tuesday, Donaldson will be looking to kick on and get another against Burton. I believe now the Don has got his first goal, they just won’t stop!
Blues fans, what do you think of my starting XI? Do you agree with it or are the players that you would change? If there are, which players would you change and who for? Let us know in the comment section down below!
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