Here’s are the 11 players we think Wayne Rooney will choose for Coventry City vs Birmingham City in the Sky Bet Championship.
It was another disappointing result last time out as Birmingham drew 0-0 with relegation fighters Rotherham United at St Andrew’s. Although in 15th position, Blues are now just seven points clear of the bottom three and will soon be looking over their shoulders with anxiety if the poor form continues.
Coventry, meanwhile, have improved of late as they have recorded two wins in their last five – against Millwall and Plymouth Argyle. There have been two defeats in that run – including their last test – but they were against high-flying sides Preston North End and Ipswich Town.
Rooney will be very aware of the Sky Blues’ threat ahead of this one and will be hoping his side move away from the mistake-making tendency of recent weeks. Here are the 11 players we predict the manager will start for the trip to Coventry Building Society Arena.
1. GK: John Ruddy
Probably one more poor game away from being swapped out for Neil Etheridge but remains between the sticks for now. The goalkeeper will be keen to bounce back after consecutive below-par performances.
2. RB: Cody Drameh
Reliable and impressive whenever called upon, Drameh comes back into the XI due to Ethan Laird being a doubt with a groin issue. We doubt Rooney will risk Laird from the start – and that’s if he’s even available.
3. CB: Dion Sanderson
Definitely not at his best at the moment but remains the top central defender at the football club. There’s definitely a correlation between Sanderson’s form dropping and that of the team itself.
4. CB: Emanuel Aiwu
In poor form, to say the least, but Rooney is limited when it comes to his central defensive options. Kevin Long is out with a calf issue, whereas Marc Roberts has had very few minutes.
5. LB: Lee Buchanan
One of very few players to be consitently decent when he’s played throughout this awful Blues spell, Buchanan could do with his teammates hitting similar levels to his own.
6. CM: Ivan Sunjic
We reckon Rooney will attempt a different central midfield pairing as Birmingham are struggling to keep hold of the ball at current. Sunjic could be one of those. Krystian Bielik, meanwhile, is likely to be dropped after failing to impress.
7. CM: Jordan James
Seems to be one of those capable of fitting into Rooney’s system – and that’s easier said than done. There’s been a satisfying improvement in James’ game this season. Long may it continue.
8. RM: Juninho Bacuna
Another of those who didn’t play at their best last time out, Bacuna will be desperate to respond. He’s at risk of being dropped otherwise. The reason he stays in is because of his set piece threat. Blues would miss that.
9. LM: Siriki Dembele
Netted two in the 4-2 defeat at Blackburn and even away from the goals has been one of the of the most threatening Birmingham widemen. Just needs to build some consistency, especially with his decision-making.
10. CAM: Koji Miyoshi
Although the target man approach has worked at times, Blues have lacked the presence of a quick and agile central attacking midfielder. Miyoshi has performed the role well at times but not so well at others. Rooney will be hoping for the positive flip of that coin.
11. ST: Jay Stansfield
Hasn’t scored in his last four outings but that probably isn’t through any fault of his own as Blues simply aren’t creating enough clear-cut chances at the moment. The goals will start flowing again soon, no doubt.