How will Birmingham City line up in 2021/22?

With just eight days to go until Birmingham City’s first fixture of the 2021/22 season, manager Lee Bowyer might have a headache selecting the starting line-up which will travel to Sheffield United.

Since Bowyer’s appointment three months ago, Blues were unbeaten in 70% of their games at the back end of last season, picking up points against the likes of Reading, Swansea City and Brentford. They remained in the division with several games to go, a strange sight for Bluenoses who are conditioned to leaving survival to the final day.

Blues have made the most signings in the Championship this summer window, with eight fresh faces entering Wast Hills training ground at the time of writing. It’s been a successful window so far with quality being added to each position in the spine of the squad.

The manager opted for a 4-4-2 formation and was successful with his approach. It suited striker Lukas Jutkiewicz, playing to the target man’s strengths. Since Bowyer’s arrival, the Blues number 10 bagged six goals in 10 appearances, including two braces away against Stoke City and Derby County.

The revamp in B9 is well underway and it is exciting times in the second city. Personnel in pre-season hints at a flat back four, but more often than not last season Blues invented with a back five. George Friend occupied left centre-back while Kristian Pedersen played left wing-back. Even attacking midfielder Riley McGree had a stint at left-wing back at the back end of last season.

With the additions of ball playing defender Dion Sanderson and attacking wing-back Juan Castillo, it is intriguing how Blues will set up on their opening day.

Either 3-4-3 or 4-4-2, Bowyer’s Blues could set up as follows:

Goalkeeper – Matija Sarkic

The Montenegro shot stopper is the most recent addition to the squad, signing a one-year deal on loan from Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. Sarkic arrives on the back of nine clean sheets in 26 appearances for Shrewsbury Town last campaign. Clocking an impressive 70.2% save percentage over the course of 2020/21,

Sarkic is expected to be back up to number one Neil Etheridge and despite a shaky start to pre-season, the 23-year-old may feature in the opening game of the season due to Etheridge recovering from COVID-19. It will be the highest level of football the goalkeeper has played if he is to be named in the starting eleven.

Right wing-back – Maxime Colin

One of the first names on the team sheet, Maxime Colin has been one of Birmingham City’s most reliable players in recent years. Since arriving from Brentford in 2017, Colin has featured 164 times for Blues – no other player has featured more times in that time frame.

He’s rarely among the goal involvements but is crucial in Blues’ backline. Expect him to clock 46 matches this season. 

Centre-back – Dion Sanderson

Sanderson, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, helped Cardiff City progress to the Championship play-offs in 2020 before being voted Young Player of the Year by Sunderland supporters last year. The 21-year-old was integral in Sunderland’s defence last campaign, clocking a career high 26 appearances in 2020/21.

He is lean in frame but can handle the physical nature of the EFL plus he can play with the ball at his feet. Not afraid to break lines with passes or step into midfield, Sanderson will play a vital role in ball progression for the Blues next season, instead of constantly clipping the ball first time to the frontmen.

Centre-back – Harlee Dean (Captain)

The former Brentford defender seems to thrive under pressure and kicks on at the end of every season. Dean scored a vital 88^th minute winner against Rotherham last campaign to confirm Blues’ survival. At the heart of the defence he is a leader, important in the spine of the team and a guaranteed starter.

Centre-back – George Friend

George Friend didn’t have the most convincing of debut campaigns for the Blues last season although he did feature 26 times at centre-back and wing-back. Comfortable on the ball and versatile, Friend is a Championship veteran and is more reliable than not. It will be between Friend and Marc Roberts who play on the left side of a three or centre-back alongside Dean next season. 

Left wing-back – Kristian Pedersen

The Danish full-back will be in competition with Chelsea loanee Juan Castillo but he’ll no doubt be starting first game of the season. Pedersen does not stop running and was deployed as a left midfielder at times in a 4-4-2 formation last season.

In the 3,087 minutes he played last campaign, Pedersen directly contributed to two goals and two assists. If he adds more goal involvements to his game and is more patient in his defending, he’ll be deemed one of the best left-backs in the division.

Centre midfielder – Ryan Woods

A new addition who has walked into the starting eleven is former Brentford and Stoke City midfielder Ryan Woods. Predominantly a holding midfielder, Woods has played in a double pivot for much of his Championship career. He compliments midfield compatriot Gary Gardner with his decision making on the ball and passing ability. 

Gardner played alongside Ivan Sunjic last season and looked more assured at the back end of the season. However, the Croatian midfielder was prone to getting dispossessed easily and his passing ability has been suspect at times. Blues have lacked composure in central midfield for several seasons. Woods has been brought in to provide that.

Centre midfielder – Gary Gardner

As noted previously, Gardner and Woods are the expected duo in Birmingham City’s midfield. They’ve started next to each other in Blues’ pre season fixtures. Woods’ discipline to sit back and hold the midfield allows Gardner to bomb on and do the hard yards box-to-box. There is already a chemistry bonding between the duo.

Winger – Jeremie Bela 

Blues’ abundance of wide players means it will be difficult to utilise all of them. Jeremie Bela’s end product and delivery is essential although new signing Jordan Graham will give him a run for his money. Bela featured 35 times last campaign, scoring three and assisting six goals in his second year in England.

The Frenchman has the capability of hitting 15+ goals and assists. 

Winger – Ivan Sanchez 

Right midfield is one of the most competitive positions in the Birmingham City squad. The introduction of Manchester United loanee Tahith Chong will provide good cover as well as competition for Ivan Sanchez.

Sanchez has played the role in pre season, with Chong staying at United until last week. A wand of a left foot, the Spaniard racked up two goals and seven assists last campaign. His wonderful solo goal against Northampton recently was a reminder of his value and potential. He’s definitely one to watch in his second season in the second tier.

Striker – Lukas Jutkiewicz

The forthcoming season is Jutkiewicz’s sixth season for Birmingham City and the forward remains one of the first names on the team sheet. The former Burnley and Middlesbrough man isn’t the quickest, but he is the ideal target man and renowned for his phenomenal aerial ability.

His work rate is elite whilst his goal involvements are slept on. In the last three seasons, Jutkiewicz has scored 37 goals and collected 16 assists. With both wing-backs supporting the attack as well as the inswinging crosses into the box by Sanchez and Bela, do not be surprised if ‘the Juke’ hits double figures for goals again.

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