St Andrews will play host to a fiery encounter between Birmingham City and Coventry City. Both sides have had mixed fortunes so far this season, but both are currently in the bottom half of the Championship table.
Birmingham currently sit fourteenth in the table, following their victory against West Bromwich Albion in mid-week. The Blues have won two league games on the bounce and will be full of confidence and expecting to make it three from three.
Coventry meanwhile, sit rock bottom of the Championship table but still have three games in hand. They ended their five match losing streak in mid-week, by picking up a point away to Luton Town.
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Team news
Birmingham City
Firstly, centre-back Marc Roberts is facing a fight to get fit, after being substituted in mid-week after picking up a hamstring injury. This would definitely be a huge blow for John Eustace’s side.
Elsewhere, Krystian Bielik was also taken off following a head injury and remains a doubt for the match. Harlee Dean, Nico Gordon and George Friend are all out of the match whilst Jordan Graham faces a late fitness test.
Coventry City
The Skyblues will continue to be without captain Liam Kelly and playmaker Callum O’Hare as they fight to return from hamstring injuries. Both players are expected to be back after the international break.
Centre-back Michael Rose was forced off in mid-week but his injury isn’t thought to be serious and he could maintain his place in the starting 11. Aside from this, there are no fresh injury concerns for Mark Robins’ side.
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Likely lineups
Birmingham
Ruddy (GK); Colin, Sanderson, Trusty, Williams; Bielik, Chong, Bacuna; Mejbri; Hogan, Deeney (4-3-1-2)
Coventry
Wilson (GK); Dabo, Rose, McFadzean, Doyle, Bidwell; Hamer, Sheaf; Allen; Godden, Gyokeres (5-2-1-2)
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Key players
Scott Hogan
The star man for Birmingham City so far has to be striker Scott Hogan. The Irishman will be full of confidence going into Saturday’s match, following his hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion in mid-week. This has been boosted after being called up for his country for the upcoming international break.
So far this season, Hogan has scored five goals and assisted another in nine competitive matches this season. He has also enjoyed a strong partnership with Troy Deeney, which if allowed, would almost guarantee a victory for the hosts if the Skyblues aren’t alert.
Ben Sheaf
Sky Blues midfielder Ben Sheaf will be full of confidence going into Saturday’s match, after a man of the match performance in mid-week. He also picked up a superb assist for the opening Coventry City goal in mid-week and will be itching at the opportunity to extend that tally.
Last time these two sides met, Sheaf grabbed his first two Sky Blues goals as Coventry came from behind to win at St Andrews, however things have very much changed for both sides since that game in April 2022.
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Match details
Where is the game being played?
Saturday’s game between Birmingham City and Coventry City will take place at St Andrews. Despite the reduced capacity crowd, the home side will be confident that they can take all three points. Meanwhile, the away end is completely sold out, with over 2,200 tickets being sold the Sky Blues.
What time is kick-off?
The match will begin at 15:00 BST. This is in line with all other EFL Championship matches taking place on Saturday except for two.
How can I watch the game?
Saturday afternoon’s match will be available on iFollow for overseas supporters for both sides, at a cost of £9.99. Supporters will be able to find goal updates via Sky Sports news from 12:00. There will also be radio coverage from both sides, likely via BBC sounds. Finally, home supporters can purchase tickets on the gate but no away fans will be able to buy tickets due to them being sold out.