Stansfield returns: Birmingham City team news and predicted XI to face Exeter City
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Birmingham City return to League One football this weekend as Exeter City make the trip to St. Andrew’s on Saturday afternoon.
Birmingham City switch their focus back to League One football this weekend as Exeter City make the long journey up from Devon. BCFC have played back-to-back games in domestic competitions, winning both.
After an FA Cup triumph over fellow third-tier side Lincoln City, the Blues defeated Swindon Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.
Chris Davies’ side will be out to maintain their fine League One form in this one though. City are unbeaten in eight in the third-tier, with seven wins in that time lifting them to the top of the table ahead of Wycombe Wanderers and Wrexham, who have played two and three games more than Birmingham respectively.
As for Exeter City, they sit 15th in the League One table. They’ve lost back-to-back league outings against Wycombe Wanderers and Bolton Wanderers but defeated Oxford United in the FA Cup last weekend.
Birmingham City team news
Speaking to Birmingham Live prior to this weekend’s clash, head coach Davies provided an extensive update on the Birmingham City injury picture.
In a welcome boost, big-money striker Jay Stansfield is set to be available after a return to training this week. The 22-year-old has been absent from the last three matches across all competitions.
Midfielder Seung-ho Paik is expected to be fit after an issue in midweek too.
Krystian Bielik and Keshi Anderson remain sidelined. However, the Polish star is close to returning, while the versatile Anderson could make his comeback for BCFC next week.
Predicted XI
(4-2-3-1)
Allsop; Laird, Klarer, Davies, Cochrane; Paik, Iwata; Willumsson, May, Wright; Stansfield
After a couple of cup outings, the Birmingham City starting lineup should more like what fans have become accustomed to this season. Davies hasn’t been afraid to rotate though, so he may well make use of his vast squad again.
The notable change sees Jay Stansfield return to the attack, likely seeing Alfie May operate either just in behind or out on one of the wings. Stansfield could also play out wide too with May at striker.
Scott Wright has returned to the fold in recent games and could offer a more natural option on the left.
Ayumu Yokoyama is also an option, while Taylor Garnder-Hickman played there for BCFC in the FA Cup.
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