Birmingham City's Predicted Starting XI for the West Bromwich Albion Friendly: Who Will Start the League One Opener?
The Blues are set to host West Bromwich Albion in a pre-season friendly, which serves as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming League One season. Birmingham City manager Chris Davies is expected to field a strong lineup, offering fans a glimpse of the squad he envisions for the new season.
Predicted Starting XI
While most positions appear to be settled, there are a few key areas where Davies is still weighing his options. Here's a breakdown of the predicted starting XI for the West Bromwich Albion friendly, along with the potential lineups for the season opener against Reading:
Goalkeeper
Bailey Peacock-Farrell seems to have solidified his place as the starting goalkeeper, edging out Ryan Allsop for the starting position. The former Leeds United goalkeeper's impressive performances in pre-season have earned him the nod.
Defense
The backline looks fairly secure, with Ethan Laird, Dion Sanderson, Krystian Bielik, and Alex Cochrane likely to form the defensive quartet. This experienced and reliable back four provides a solid foundation for the Blues.
Midfield
While Paik Seung-ho is expected to be a mainstay in midfield, the position alongside him remains a point of contention. Jordan James is attracting interest from other clubs, and Davies might decide to give Marc Leonard a chance to showcase his skills.
Attack
The front four looks promising, with Koji Miyoshi and Willum Willumsson occupying the right wing and attacking midfielder positions respectively. Alfie May leads the line as the center forward, leaving the left wing as the remaining spot up for grabs. Hansson and Dembele are both vying for the starting position, with Dembele's impact off the bench particularly impressive.
Key Contenders and Decisions
Jordan James' Future
The future of Jordan James hangs in the balance. Several clubs are showing interest in the young midfielder, and a suitable offer could tempt Birmingham City to part ways. Davies is carefully assessing the situation, weighing the potential departure of James against the opportunity to develop Leonard.
Dembele's Role
The potential for Dembele's impact from the bench has been a topic of discussion. Brian Dick, a renowned Birmingham City writer, believes Dembele could be a game-changer if he remains with the club. However, if interest in Dembele materializes, it could influence his role in the starting XI.
Marc Leonard's Chance
The West Bromwich Albion friendly presents a valuable opportunity for Marc Leonard to impress. Davies is known for his demanding approach, and Leonard's recent comments suggest he's ready to embrace the challenge. The young midfielder's performance in this game could significantly impact his chances for the upcoming season.
Two Possible Starting XIs
Here are the two possible starting lineups, as predicted by Alex Dicken and Brian Dick, reflecting the key decisions Davies needs to make:
Alex Dicken's XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Peacock-Farrell
- Defense: Laird, Sanderson, Bielik, Cochrane
- Midfield: Paik, Leonard
- Attack: Miyoshi, Willumsson, Hansson, May
Brian Dick's XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Peacock-Farrell
- Defense: Laird, Sanderson, Bielik, Cochrane
- Midfield: Paik, Leonard
- Attack: Miyoshi, Willumsson, Dembele, May
Final Thoughts
The West Bromwich Albion friendly will be a crucial test for Birmingham City ahead of their League One campaign. While many positions seem settled, Davies still has some important decisions to make, with the future of Jordan James and the role of Dembele being key areas of focus. The game will offer valuable insights into Davies' preferred starting XI and his plans for the upcoming season. Birmingham City fans will be eagerly anticipating the match and the answers it might provide.
