Birmingham City breakdown: Predicted line-up, Khadra’s role and where Bristol City can be hurt

Bristol City host Birmingham City at Ashton Gate as they return to EFL Championship action. The Robins want to end their run of home games without a victory with their last win in front of the home supporters coming in October.

John Eustace's side are two places and three places higher than Bristol City, and whilst this is not a six-pointer, the game has importance given the position of City. Nigel Pearson’s side are just three points above the relegation zone and a victory could relieve pressure on the 59-year-old.

The visitors signed Reda Khadra this week, a player that Pearson has openly admitted that he wanted to sign in the summer. Khadra was sent back by Sheffield United to Brighton & Hove Albion this week, but Blues moved the quickest to sign him. City received the news this week that both Andi Weimann and Tommy Conway are out with hamstring injuries, with the latter’s period on the sidelines yet unspecified.

Birmingham won the last meeting between these two teams in October, winning convincingly with a 3-0 win in the Midlands. BirminghamWorld reporter Charlie Haffenden gives us the lowdown, and if much has changed.

How have Birmigham City been playing recently?

It’s been a tricky period for Blues as they have lost three successive Championship matches since Christmas and have suffered from loads of injury problems. Eustace has been very vocal about his lack of squad depth, particularly in defence and midfield. This has showed as their previously solid defence has capitulated of late.

Reda Khadra recently joined Blues, where will he fit in? And how has his signing been perceived?

The Brighton man should be able to add a bit of punch off the bench initially before Eustace works out exactly where he can fit in. Blues play with a 3-5-2 system that doesn’t really suit Khadra, as he is predominantly a winger or attacking midfielder. If they decide to bring one of their central midfield spots into a more advanced position, he could suit that well. Fans seem to be excited by the prospect as he is a very exciting, tricky winger. Who doesn’t like the prospect of that, eh?

Birmingham inflicted a heavy 3-0 defeat the last time these two sides met with Auston Trusty scoring a brace. Who are the players the Robins need to keep an eye out for?

The man you mention - Auston Trusty - has been exceptional this campaign and he is yet to miss a single minute in the Championship, I believe. As you witnessed last time out he is a real threat from set pieces, so I’d keep an eye on him again. Top scorer Scott Hogan is back and raring to get back in the goals, whereas Tahith Chong is beginning to come into his own a little more.

What’s your predicted line-up? Ruddy (GK); Trusty, Friend, Colin; Graham, Hannibal, Bielik, Bacuna, Longelo; Chong, Deeney.