A true ‘Hollywood’ contest is set to unfold in League One this Monday evening, as big-spending Birmingham City prepare to put their unbeaten record on the line against Wrexham at St Andrew’s. It is arguably the division’s most eye-catching fixture to date, pitting two clubs with significant financial backing and promotion aspirations against one another.
Wrexham seized the initiative in the promotion race last weekend, surging to the front with a convincing 3-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town. The Red Dragons maintained their momentum on Tuesday, dispatching Salford City in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. In stark contrast, the Blues will have gone nearly a fortnight without a competitive fixture by kick-off, owing to international call-ups. Fortunately for manager Chris Davies, goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, along with Alfons Sampsted, Willum Willumsson, and Lyndon Dykes, all returned to the squad well ahead of the Wrexham clash.
Tactical conundrums for Davies
The Blues boss faces a number of selection dilemmas, the most pressing of which concerns how to deploy record signing Jay Stansfield. The recent experiment of fielding top scorer Alfie May just behind Stansfield against Walsall did not go according to plan. Davies later admitted he intends to utilise Stansfield in positions where his movement in behind can damage the opposition, which raises doubts about whether May will continue to lead the line solo.
An alternative solution would see Stansfield operating from the right wing out of possession, granted the freedom to drift centrally when the Blues have the ball—a scenario that has played out 68.4 per cent of the time in league matches. This adjustment would likely suit May, who thrives on dropping into pockets of space to link play. Crucial to Davies’ system is the attacking intent provided by the right-back; with Ethan Laird facing a spell on the sidelines due to an ankle issue, Alfons Sampsted is poised to step into the breach. Elsewhere in the backline, the positions of Christoph Klarer, Krystian Bielik, and Alex Cochrane appear undisputed.
Midfield battles and predicted line-up
In the engine room, Marc Leonard is expected to partner Paik Seung-ho. Although the arrival of Tomoki Iwata adds high-calibre competition, the young Scot is likely to retain his spot for now. If Stansfield does operate from the right flank with Willumsson in the centre, the team requires a presence on the left capable of holding the width to ensure balance. While Emil Hansson has had a somewhat underwhelming start to his tenure, the Swede knows the role inside out and offers the necessary tactical discipline.
Ultimately, the predicted XI features three changes from the side that defeated Wigan Athletic. Injured duo Laird and Luke Harris drop out, as does Taylor Gardner-Hickman.
Predicted Birmingham City XI (4-2-3-1): Peacock-Farrell; Sampsted, Klarer, Bielik, Cochrane; Leonard, Paik; Stansfield, Willumsson, Hansson; May.
Tractor Girls secure loan deal for Baker
Away from the spotlight of Monday’s men’s fixture, there has been significant movement within the women’s set-up. Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Birmingham City forward Ava Baker on a loan deal that runs until the end of the campaign. The Tractor Girls confirmed the arrival via their official website this afternoon.
The 20-year-old makes the switch to Suffolk after helping Birmingham finish as runners-up in the Barclays WSL2 last term. Having spent 18 months in the Second City and featuring regularly in matchday squads, Baker brings valuable experience to the Ipswich ranks. The attacker, who has represented England at various youth levels, originally came through the Leicester City academy system before breaking into the senior squad in the East Midlands.
Speaking upon her arrival at Ipswich, Baker expressed her enthusiasm: “I’m so excited to be here and can’t wait to get started with the team. I’ve had a look around and the facilities here are top class. The girls look really driven to succeed and hopefully I can help them do that.”
Describing her style of play, she added, “I would describe myself as a direct, quick and creative player and I really want to bring those qualities to the team across the second half of the season.” Baker could be in line for an immediate debut when Ipswich travel to face Newcastle United on Sunday.
