Birmingham City will be looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season by defeating former boss Garry Monk's Sheffield Wednesday side.

The Owls will be looking to get another victory under their belt to ease the pressure of their points deduction.

  • Team news

Birmingham will have Jonathan Leko available for the first time since his summer switch from neighbours West Bromwich Albion. He has not played since December 2019 after sustaining an ACL injury on loan at Charlton Athletic. The young attacker was also a target for the visitors but he opted to remain in the West Midlands. 

Other new signings Mikel San Jose and Riley McGree are also in contention to make their Blues debuts following their arrivals from Athletic Club and Charlotte FC respectively.

Midfielder Josh McEachran remains a long-term absentee with an ACL injury.

The Owls are likely to be without Tom Lees (back) and Liam Shaw (ankle). Izzy Brown is doubtful due to a knee problem.

Dominic Iorfa (hamstring) could be set for a return after missing the Owls' last fixture before the international break. Liam Palmer (back) could also return to match action.

  • Predicted lineups

Birmingham City: Etheridge, Colin, Dean, Friend, Pedersen, Sunjic, Clayton, Sanchez, Toral, Bela, Jutkiewicz.

Sheffield Wednesday: Dawson, Palmer, Borner, Van Aken, Harris, Luongo, Bannan, Brown, Reach, Paterson, Windass.

  • Form guide

Birmingham head into this game boasting an unbeaten start to the season, albeit being one win and three draws. Whilst their defence has improved extensively since the arrival of Aitor Karanka, their goal threat seems to be lacking. They have only scored three goals in four league games and they have all come from set-pieces (two corners and a penalty).

Wednesday have not won since their opening victory away at Cardiff City. Their first home game was a 0-0 stalemate against Watford, followed by a 2-0 loss away at Bristol City.

Last time out they were denied victory at the death against Queens Park Rangers in added time.  

  • Ones to watch

Ivan Sanchez

The Spaniard has had a bright start in his Blues career, showboating his quick feet and flair as well as a dangerous left foot. From the corner spot he has already got two assists to his name this season, providing inch-perfect crosses to Jeremie Bela (Brentford) and captain Harlee Dean (Stoke City) whilst also generating his side breaks on the counter with his excellent footwork and balance.

Barry Bannan

The former Aston Villa man is one of the best midfielders in the league. Late in the transfer window he was subject to bids from promotion-contenders Brentford. He is an excellent creative midfielder who can pick out an array of passes short or long. In matches where Wednesday are on the front foot it is virtually impossible to get near him. He is a constant threat and Birmingham will need to prepare for him on Saturday.

  • How to watch

You can watch the match via BluesTV (£10) or via iFollow for Sheffield Wednesday fans, with a  3pm kick-off.

  • Managers

Karanka told BluesTV that they should not be phased by Sheffield Wednesday's situation.

He said: "It's the kind of game where you can't look at the table because it's not a true reflection (with the Owls' point deduction). They are a team that should be at least where we are in the table and they are going to be difficult to beat."

Owls boss Monk told YorkshireLive that he knows what to expect from a Karanka side.

He said: "They are very organised. I know the majority of the players and they are very determined and are a very strong team. They have had a very good start to the season."