Birmingham City and Wrexham face off in what’s been dubbed the ‘Hollywood derby’ of the campaign. Both clubs reached the Championship last season with financial backing from American celebrities. However, the need for a result differs significantly between the two teams.
Wrexham’s Lineup Changes
Phil Parkinson has made three changes to the Wrexham side following their 5-1 defeat to Southampton. Dan Scarr replaces Dom Hyam in the back three. Matty James, returning from a toe injury sustained against Millwall, will captain the team. Ollie Rathbone also comes into the starting eleven, with Nathan Broadhead and Josh Windass moving to the bench.
Wrexham’s starting XI is: Okonkwo; Cleworth, Scarr, Doyle; Kabore, Dobson, James (C), Thomason; Rathbone, O’Brien; Moore.
The substitutes are: Ward, Hyam, Brunt, Longman, Barnett, Windass, Broadhead, Keillor-Dunn, Smith.
Birmingham City’s Team Selection
Blues boss Chris Davies has also made three changes from their previous match against Ipswich Town. Kai Wagner returns to the defence after missing five games with a shoulder injury, replacing Jonathan Panzo who is among the substitutes. Tomoki Iwata comes in for Paik Seung-Ho in midfield. Ibrahim Osman replaces Demarai Gray, who is on the bench.
Birmingham City’s starting lineup is: Beadle; Osayi-Samuel, Neumann, Klarer (C), Wagner; Solis, Iwata; Vicente, Stansfield, Osman; Priske.
The substitutes are: Allsop, Robinson, Laird, Panzo, Doyle, Paik, Fujimoto, Roberts, Gray.
Pressure on Chris Davies
Birmingham boss Chris Davies is under pressure despite his side being 16th and in no relegation danger. Rumours of discontent over his failure to join today’s visitors in a promotion push has led to speculation over his future.
Wrexham’s position in the play-off spots was cemented after they beat Swansea last month. However, after the home humbling by Southampton in midweek suddenly they suddenly lie seventh and four points off the pace.
Today is about the football at St Andrew’s.