Birmingham City is gearing up for their third Emirates FA Cup match this January when they face off against Leicester City at King Power Stadium on Saturday. As underdogs with their eyes on the upcoming West Bromwich Albion match, Birmingham is approaching this game with a relaxed mindset. Manager Tony Mowbray wants to progress in the FA Cup, but he is not putting too much pressure on his team to win the competition.
This approach could benefit the 5,132 Bluenoses traveling to Leicester, allowing the team to play with freedom. Mowbray is expected to give opportunities to lesser-seen players while still maintaining a strong lineup. However, there is some uncertainty surrounding recent injury returnee Ethan Laird, and a decision on including him in the XI is yet to be made.
The predicted Birmingham City lineup for the match includes goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, who is back from a brief injury and typically plays in cup competitions. Cody Drameh, who has been impressive since joining on loan from Leeds, is expected to start at right-back, with Ethan Laird still in full training but unlikely to start. Captain Dion Sanderson is set to start in central defense, and Krystian Bielik is likely to join him in the backline, trusted by Mowbray despite some concerns about his lack of pace and agility.
