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Two-goal forward dropped as Eustace rotates in midfield - Birmingham City predicted XI v QPR - gallery

Charlie Haffenden
·2-min read
Continues to be Blues’ number one choice between the sticks.
Continues to be Blues’ number one choice between the sticks.

Birmingham City return to home soil as they take on John Eustace’s former side, Queens Park Rangers, at St Andrew’s Stadium on Friday evening.

Kicking off the weekend of Sky Bet Championship action in view of the television cameras, Blues will be hoping to put two successive defeats behind them quickly.

It was a superb start to the season for Eustace’s men as they won three and drew two of their opening five, but they have since slumped within just one point of the bottom half.

Did a decent job at Preston and stays in amid Ethan Laird’s fitness troubles.
Did a decent job at Preston and stays in amid Ethan Laird’s fitness troubles.

The last two outings have been tough fixtures, though, with Watford and Preston North End both hoping to challenge for the play-off spots this campaign.

Birmingham have a far more realistic chance of picking up all three points once more as they face QPR, who sit well down in 20th position ahead of the clash.

Eustace will likely rotate somewhat as just three days separate two matches. With that in mind, here’s the starting XI we think he will go with.

The skipper is undoubtedly the first name on the team sheet for Blues.
The skipper is undoubtedly the first name on the team sheet for Blues.
Has settled in brilliantly as Sanderson’s counterpart in central defence.
Has settled in brilliantly as Sanderson’s counterpart in central defence.
Should come straight back in after his suspension following a superb season start.
Should come straight back in after his suspension following a superb season start.
Had quite the howler at Deepdale but will be looking for an instant response.
Had quite the howler at Deepdale but will be looking for an instant response.
Offers a rest to Ivan Sunjic, who has started every Championship game thus far.
Offers a rest to Ivan Sunjic, who has started every Championship game thus far.
Eustace often fields the youngster out on the right flank – a chance for rotation.
Eustace often fields the youngster out on the right flank – a chance for rotation.
Looks a threat every week and remains in the team, with Oli Burke dropped.
Looks a threat every week and remains in the team, with Oli Burke dropped.
The best creator for Blues midweek and should start once again.
The best creator for Blues midweek and should start once again.
More than proving his capability to play as a nine and should after another top goal. Two-goal forward Scott Hogan is benched.
More than proving his capability to play as a nine and should after another top goal. Two-goal forward Scott Hogan is benched.
CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: John Eustace, Manager of Birmingham City ahead of the Carabao Cup First Round match between Cheltenham Town and Birmingham City at The Completely-Suzuki Stadium on August 08, 2023 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: John Eustace, Manager of Birmingham City ahead of the Carabao Cup First Round match between Cheltenham Town and Birmingham City at The Completely-Suzuki Stadium on August 08, 2023 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)