Birmingham City face Wigan Athletic in League One, but won't be able to call on the services of Jay Stansfield and Tomoki Iwata. The Bristol City loan man comes into the centre of midfield for Marc Leonard, who drops to the bench having played so well against Fulham in midweek. Of Blues’ three deadline day arrivals, only Scott Wright was signed in time to be available for today’s game, Jay Stansfield and Tomoki Iwata will watch from the stands. Gardner-Hickman is one of three changes to the team which exited the Carabao Cup, with Bailey Peacock-Farrell starting in goal and Luke Harris back in attack. Keshi Anderson is injured and Ryan Allsop is on the bench. Wright is also among the substitutes.
Chris Davies has named his now customary back four, Ethan Laird, Christoph Klarer, Krystian Bielik and Alex Cochrane playing behind Gardner-Hickman and Paik Seung-ho. Harris is likely to start on the right with Willum Willumsson and Emil Hansson playing behind Alfie May.
Wigan Athletic boss Shaun Maloney has issued his verdict on the Latics' upcoming opponents Birmingham City, who enjoyed a record-breaking transfer window by League One standards. The Latics travel to St Andrew's on Saturday afternoon aiming to build on their first win of the third tier campaign against Crawley Town last weekend, but come up against the promotion favourites, whose fans will be in even more of a buoyant mood after Deadline Day developments. Blues remain undefeated in League One after the first three games, having enjoyed away successes at Wycombe Wanderers and Leyton Orient, but return to league action after losing for the first time under Chris Davies' management against Premier League outfit Fulham in the EFL Cup Second Round.
However, the aforementioned developments, which include The well-documented recapture of Jay Stansfield from Craven Cottage for a record-breaking fee has made all associated with the club's divisional rivals watch on with envy, as ownership group Knighthead backed Davies with an abundance of statement transfers. Paik Seung-ho has been the subject of bids, but Blues have been able to retain him beyond the end of the summer window. Ahead of the clash between the two former Premier League sides on Saturday afternoon, Maloney issued his verdict on the power that Birmingham possess in terms of spending and the depth within their squad.
This shocked the footballing world on Friday night, when it was revealed by The Telegraph's Sam Dean that Stansfield was acquired on a seven-year contract for an upfront fee of £15m plus £5m in potential add-ons, as well as a £100,000 bonus should they achieve a return to the Championship at the first attempt. Previewing his upcoming opponents in an interview with BBC Radio Manchester, the Wigan boss said: "I think it's the biggest (challenge)." "I think when you look at what they've done in the window this season, I don't know if that's been seen in this league before," the Scot continued. "I think I've said in the media just previous to yours, that that shouldn't come across as a negative because it has been our club, it has been Wigan two or three times in this league that's outspent everyone, went big and blown the league away, so it's Birmingham's time now," Maloney stated.
Birmingham's Spending Spree
Birmingham City's summer transfer window was nothing short of remarkable. The club brought in a total of 17 new players, significantly bolstering their squad with a mix of experience and youth. Among the notable additions were Alfie May, who joined from Charlton Athletic, having been the top scorer in League One last season. The club also secured the services of Lyndon Dykes, a Scottish international striker, who was attracting interest from Championship clubs. But the biggest splash of all was the signing of Jay Stansfield from Fulham, a move that shattered the previous League One transfer record.
A New Era at Birmingham City
The arrival of Stansfield, a former Birmingham City youth player, was a symbolic moment for the club. It signaled a new era, one marked by ambition and a desire to return to the Championship at the first attempt. The club's ownership group, Knighthead, have shown their commitment to the project, backing manager Chris Davies with a significant transfer budget.
The Pressure is On
While the summer transfer window was undoubtedly a success for Birmingham City, it has also brought increased pressure on the club. The expectations are high, and anything less than promotion would be seen as a disappointment. Davies, a first-time manager, has a formidable squad at his disposal, but he will need to navigate the challenges of League One and the pressure of exceeding expectations.
Wigan's Perspective
Wigan Athletic, under the stewardship of Shaun Maloney, will be hoping to pull off an upset at St Andrew's. The Latics have endured an indifferent start to the season, but they will be looking to build on their recent victory over Crawley Town. Maloney has acknowledged the strength of Birmingham's squad, but he remains optimistic about his side's chances.
A Tale of Two Clubs
The match between Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic will be a fascinating encounter. It is a clash between two clubs with contrasting trajectories. Birmingham City, with their record-breaking transfer window, are aiming to bounce back to the Championship, while Wigan Athletic, under their new manager, are striving to establish themselves as a competitive force in League One. The outcome of the match could have significant implications for both clubs as they embark on their respective journeys.
What Lies Ahead
The first few games of the season have provided a glimpse into the potential of Birmingham City's revamped squad. The Blues are brimming with confidence, and their attacking prowess has been on full display. However, they will face a stern test against Wigan Athletic, who will be determined to prove their own worth. The coming weeks and months will provide further insights into how both teams will fare in the highly competitive League One division. This is a story that is sure to unfold with plenty of twists and turns, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
