Birmingham City have had a week to build on their impressive draw away at the Cardiff City stadium last Saturday against Cardiff City.
With Gianfranco Zola looking to relieve some of the ever growing pressure surrounding him at the club, he will be hoping that a full weeks preparation ahead of the game against Newcastle United this weekend will pay off in the match at St.Andrews.
Blues have already played the Magpies three times this season, losing twice, both at St.James’ Park (3-1, 4-0) and drawing the other (1-1), with David Cotterill scoring the goal in the 3-1 loss and Lukas Jutkiewicz scoring in the draw in B9.
In a game that could be significant in Blues’ season, Zola will be hoping that his side can pull off a shock result in what would be just a third win under the Italian and just a second at home since his arrival.
Down below is the side that I think Zola will name along with the seven substitutes…
GK: Kuszczak
RB: Nsue
CB: Shotton
CB: Bielik
LB: Grounds
RM: Stewart
CM: Davis
CM: Gardner
LM: Maghoma
CF: Adams
ST: Jutkiewicz
Substitutes: Legzdins, Robinson, Dacres-Cogley, Gleeson, Kieftenbeld, Frei, Donaldson.
As you can see from the team above, I believe that Zola will revert to a 4-4-2 formation this weekend and I think he will give David Davis the job of man marking Jonjo Shelvey should the England international play for Rafa Bentiez’ men.
Greg Stewart and Jacques Maghoma return to the starting line up with Che Adams playing off top goal scorer Jutkiewicz.
There is also a place on the bench for Clayton Donaldson who has now completed two 45 minutes halves in two separate games following his return from injury.
Blues fans, what do you make of the team that has been selected? Will David Davis have the job of trying to keep Jonjo Shelvey off the ball? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section down below!
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