What is Birmingham City's STRONGEST Starting XI? - Who Will be First Choice for Chris Davies?

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

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[@grahamridsdill2983]

Thanks for your reply Gary I've supported blues for over 60 years. I have a season ticket block 30 Kop. I am not questioning the loyalty just think we could be more vocal.. love the podcast KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment Graham. No worries, I did not take your comment that way at all. I think there were times last season when the crowd was a little restless, especially under Rooney however, in the main, given the season we had there is usually plenty of noise from the fans. Myself and Matt sit in block 15 of the Upper Tilton, where it can get pretty lively! The Reading game will be a sell out and I can't wait! KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@davidfield7810]

Great video both 👍 Leonard will be first choice though going forward.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks David :) I have no doubt that Leonard will be a really important player this season and break into the first team. He is a fantastic signing and he will make a huge difference. It's a long season and our CM will get lots of rotation so he will have plenty of opportunities to show us what he's capable off. Very best, KRO! (Matt)

[@ward_bro9423]

Great Videos both! Have enjoyed the discussions this summer 👍 For me we need a left sided centre half, a backup right back (no mention of Josh Williams in the vid?) a physical centre mid (if JJ leaves as we will miss his aggression) and a powerful striker with a bit more legs (Thomas Asante just gone to cov for 2.5m we could have snapped him up!) Devante Cole ended up at West Brom, he would have done a job too! Hopefully we get Stansfield KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment and we are pleased you are enjoying our videos. We did consider including Josh Williams in the team selection however as he has not been used in pre-season and we have not seen him for a while we felt that he would not be in Chris Davies immediate thoughts. I'm not sure if he is injured, so perhaps someone could clarify. I think we need a couple of new strikers. We will have to see if we get Stansfield but even if that happens we still need a taller, more physical striker to give us more options. The squad is assembling nicely but I still expect to see another 6 or 7 additions (including loans) before the transfer window closes. KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@ward_bro9423]

@@BCFCRoyalBlue cheers Gary I agree with all of the above! 👍👌

[@bostonbrum5288]

Totally agree that Sanderson has grown up a lot this season and that has effected how well he is playing. He did a spin recovery move against Norwich to show he has the tools. However his distribution has vastly improved in preseason,along with his attitude is there now. It's great to have a squad that is already vastly better than last season. Blues are never all healthy after 5 games in, I really believe the team will pick its self after 10 games in. Still light in certain area's though. Looking forward to the season. KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

"Spin recovery move" made me think spider-man was in trouble 😂 No doubt Sanderson has looked really sharp this pre-season and having the stability of CD and the circus leaving town seems to be what he needs. I think you are right, it will take time for us to settle and about 5-10 games into the season the team will start to pick itself :) Very best, KRO! (Matt)

[@bostonbrum5288]

@@BCFCRoyalBlue 🤣🤣..I'm too old to think spider 🕷 movies 🎥 lol. The back up options we have at most positions are relatively strong. How many Division 1 teams would love to have an Anderson for example and he is maybe a third choice on the left for us at the moment. Great content again 👏 KRO.

[@simonedgbaston]

🔒💥⚽️ I can't wait till Saturday & even more the Reading Match🧤KRO!! 🇺🇸🏆💙

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment Simon. I know what you mean. I will be there on Saturday for the West Brom match and the Reading match will be a complete sell out so the place will be rocking! KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@rickypotter8526]

Great video again. Agree with most of the positions. Think Klarer will start alongside Bielek at the back and Leonard will partner Paik in CM (if Paik stays) Do you think if we were to sign Stansfield (long shot I know!) he could play on that right hand side? He did well last season up front but think he could suit that right inside forward role with May as the striker. Do you have any players in mind we could bring in for the areas you highlighted as being short of numbers?

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment Ricky. Just like you Matt picked Klarer to start alongside Beilek but I thought Sanderson had shown enough in pre-season to get the nod. That will be interesting. If Stansfield is bought I think we have to find a way of playing both him and May in the starting line up. Playing Stansfield on the right is an option or possibly in the No.10 role and then pushing Willumsson back into midfield may be an option. As you point out it is all completely hypothetical unless we actually buy Jay Stansfield. With regard to players we need, I will give that some thought. The club seem to be casting the net far and wide so we may still get some more surprising additions. KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@petermanders3840]

I agree in we definitely need more phisocality in CM and down the right hand side, in my opinion I would put Bielik in CM for james , Klarer at CB , And play Anderson on the right, against stronger opposition..

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. Both myself and Matt are big fans of Beilek at Centre Back. He is a decent midfielder however his forward distribution is often quite poor. I also think that we will bring in another right winger to provide some back up and competition for Myoshi. KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@mimigization]

Going back to our last time in this division, Nigel Gleghorn would love playing against our right hand side.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. Good, player Nigel Gleghorn. As we said in the podcast we think we are a little light in terms of physicality on the right hand side. KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@sammullett17]

Wasn't expecting you both to agree on so many players ha KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment Sam. We surprised ourselves as well, as we often disagree! We try to keep the content as authentic as possible and purposefully avoid discussing content prior to a podcast. This then means our discussion is much more organic and hopefully reflects the varied opinion of the Blues fan base. KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@joeswift5296]

Can’t argue with those sides.. Don’t forget that Bielik can slot in at centre mid as well

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks Joe! Yeah, really valid point. Just my personal preference that I love Bielik at CB however if we become light on the ground or if we need it, it's great to have that versatility and depth in certain areas. Just like Buchanen can play the left side of CB too :) Very best, KRO! (Matt)

[@danielebanks3345]

Team looks perfect to me chaps great video once agn and thx for previous replies how u guys feel about jj staying potentially

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for the kind words :) I would love it if JJ stayed we both rate him in the CM position and he could make a real difference. Apparently no official bids have been submitted so we might be able to keep hold off him this season. Very best, KRO! (Matt)

[@danielebanks3345]

@@BCFCRoyalBlue o definitely really glad he seems to wanna stay no one has actually put in a bid apparently Can injust fair play to u both for replying to many a comment adds a personal touch 👏

[@robbiemichaels2347]

Great content gents. That’s pretty much the team that will be playing for us at the Reading game. I think Sanderson will start as he’s suddenly passing long balls like Glen Hoddle lol. It’s a debate if Stansfield would get in this team from day one. For me he certainly wouldn’t replace May. I’ve said previously I can see them both playing on the same pitch. KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks Robbie! Not sure what’s happening with Sanderson but long may his form and passing game continue. He was good under Eustace too so clearly he is a player that thrives off consistency and routine. Amazing what a new manager and structure can do for the players. It’s a good point and he might go for 2 up top if we were to land Stansfield. Not sure what he has in his mind but it’s a good problem to have. He really would be the cherry on the cake this summer 😊 Very best, KRO! (Matt)

[@richardpincher8936]

Gary..... 100% right about Sanderson. I'm happily tucking into a large slice of humble pie. He's looked class pre-season. Easily the most improved player under CD. I think what happened last season looks like it was a real wake-up call for him and he's got his head down and he's a definite starter for me. Bielik definitely needs someone with pave alongside him and Sanderson also has a real eye for a pass and the ability to execute the pass. Nice to see you both have JJ in the middle and a starter 😁 KRO 💙

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment Richard. Sanderson has been a real surprise for me in pre-season and fair play to him. He really has grafted and let his football do the talking and in my view deserves a starting place. JJ has also been good in pre-season and given us a bit of an edge. I hope he stays as I think he could be an important player for us this season. There is still the chance that he will move on as the transfer window is still open until the end of August, but he has done enough to show that he will be a loss if he does leave. KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@richardpincher8936]

@SmallHeathAllianceFC The window can't shut soon enough with regards to the possibility of players leaving!! It will be interesting to see who else we bring in as you and Matt have rightly identified areas where we need to strengthen. Sanderson is like a new signing. What a real turnaround. All credit to him. KRO 💙

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

@@richardpincher8936 thank you for your response Richard. On one hand I want the window to close so that we don’t lose any players but on the other hand I want it to stay open because I want more players to come in. A strange conundrum but I’m sure a lot of fans feel this way. Dion Sanderson really is like a new signing which is great for him and for the club! KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@richardpincher8936]

@SmallHeathAllianceFC Absolutely..... As Matt would say.... it's a double-edged sword!! We had that flurry of players coming in, and it's gone a bit quiet of late, but I don't think for one minute that means that nothing is being done behind the scenes. I do think that whatever happens between now and the window slamming shut our overall, business done will be far more positive than not, and I really appreciate all that the club has done. Blues needed a definite face-lift and we have definitely got that 😁 KRO 💙

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

@@richardpincher8936 Thank you Richard. KRO

[@grahamfoster6222]

I agree with Gary on the line Up. Which brings me to ask. 1. If Jay Stansfield signs Will he start?? 2. Subs? Goalkeeper from Hull Defender weve signed for £4 million cant think of his name George Hall Lenoard Tyler Roberts Who l think Will come good Anderson Dembele Stansfield ..the dream signing Chang Buchanon if fit Thats about 10 so we cant have that many..but ive forgotten the Juke. Well. What are your thoughts?? Great video KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment Graham. Chris Davies said that he was building a squad and even though only 11 can start he wants strength in depth so that all positions have competition. All successful clubs need a strong bench and are also able to cope with the rigours of a lot of games, injuries, suspensions etc. If Stansfield is signed then he could start in that number 10 position, allowing Willumsson to drop deeper into midfield, especially if JJ or Paik are sold. Alternatively, Stansfield could also play on the right to provide support for Alfie May. I'm sure that there are plenty of options which Chris Davies could adopt to include both May and Stansfield in the starting line up. Now that would be a frightening prospect! KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@charleyburleytbe294]

Hi guys Agree with most of what was said, however I’m not sure about this tall beast of a midfielder Matt? We just need players to get stuck in but can also pass the ball and create, Marc Leonard is the kid mate tbh He’s not intimidated in that midfield, can be fiery but he’s a player KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks Charley :) Maybe tall was a misleading word to use, I am just referring to a Roy Keane type of player or someone with a bit of nastiness / bite. I still think we're too passive as a team and if we hit a team who's only tactic is too bully us I don't want us to rollover (We will get those teams in League 1). We saw it last year too often for me. Not enough fight across the team, heads going down etc. I want some resilience and a player that gets fired up and picks everyone up. Very best, KRO! (Matt)

[@charleyburleytbe294]

@@BCFCRoyalBlue Hi Matt I get your meaning but I do think we are different this year, last season for me we seemed to sleepwalk to relegation, think Chris Davies is knocking that out of em, Sanderson looks a different player pre season, JJ seems to have had a growth spurt and looks more physical, Paik will have the experience of English Football, Leonard will be a star and we probably sign another centre mid/right sided mid Think we will be fine pal All the best KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Yeah, I totally get that to be fair. CD has us set up completely differently and a lot of the players look like they have a new lease of life. As you say JJ and Sanderson look noticeably different which is nice to see :) We are shaping up really nicely and loving the look of the team and how he has us playing. I think we need a bit more depth (Maybe 5 more players) but no doubt when that deadline day comes we will have a squad ready to go out there and smash it! All the best mate, KRO!

[@sammullett17]

Chris Davies subs will be interesting against Reading. The baggies game will give us some insight into what team we will see.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment Sam. I must admit, I'm looking forward to the West Brom game where I think we will get a good indication of the starting line up for the Reading game. Really looking forward to the season kicking off now! KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@JustMyFish]

We are not selling Paik. CF May Tatum Juke, AMC Willum Roberts Hall

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

I think Paik will also stay. The only vulnerable one I think is JJ. I heard yesterday that no offers have formally been submitted to the club so he might stay as well but I still think we need another CM coming in. Very best, KRO! (Matt)

[@Kevinkinsella-f9k]

Alfie May with someone along side goals goals goals

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you what your comment. As Blues fans we have been starved of goals over recent years so it would be nice to celebrate a few more that is for sure! KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@RobertBate-x6x]

Got to be peacock Farrell as gk alsop has not shown enough kro Hanson looks quality

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. Peacock-Farrell seems to be Chris Davies first choice at the moment. He has done well in pre-season so deserves to start. Agree about Hansson, very good signing! KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@FutureIsBlue-tq1xy]

What about Romelle or Miyoshi at number 10? We definitely need another striker if not two. Your team is exactly how I see it. At the moment we are one or two serious injuries away from being caught short. IMO we need at least another 5 players even if we keep everyone.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. Romelle Donovan or Koji Myoshi could both potentially be used as number 10's although I think Myoshi in particular is better playing as a wide player. I've said in numerous podcast that we need another 6 or 7 to give us the squad depth we need because as you point out, with a few injuries we are going to be short in numerous areas. KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@jamo98]

I agree with Sanderson over Klarer based on what we’ve seen so far, Sanderson looks like a different player, one more CB needed for cover and competition. We definitely need more depth at right back and a chance to add more height into squad. Another tall CM, as a back up/ offering an alternative style of play to what we have. I would take Stansfield all day, potentially a future club legend, who will only get better and more expensive. Buy him now while we are not under the same financial constraints of the championship and premier league. Stansfield and May give you a minimum of 45 goals in this league. If we don’t land him, then one more forward. I’m happy to see Donovan as back up for Miyoshi, I think he’s ready. I’d be happy with that assuming we don’t lose any of the current squad and get the rat Bacuna out the door, as soon as possible 👍🏽 KRO.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. I agree with all of your points. I think Sanderson has a point to prove and could be a real a asset to us this season. With the added competition he will always be looking over his shoulder which will definitely keep him on his toes. Like all Blues fans I would also like to see us land Jay Stansfield and while I am cautiously optimistic, I won't believe it until it actually happens. Imagine Stansfield and May in the starting line up? That would be pretty scary for opposition defences. KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@KevinDrew-ht7kr]

Hi guys hope Davis watch,s this pod becuse you two boy,s could be our next manager,s lol😂i agree k.r.o.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment Kevin. Where do you think Chris Davies gets all of his technical knowledge from? Obviously watching our channel! 😂 KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@mjc4554]

I think george hall should considered for a central midfield spot. 8 or a 10

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for commenting 😊 I also think George Hall is more effective there, especially as a #10. I think we will see a bit more of him this season and gradually getting more exposure. I’m hoping he can have a really strong season after his injury. He is a real exciting talent. Very best, KRO! (Matt)

[@danielebanks3345]

Longelo apparently turned barnsley personal terms down

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for commenting Daniele :) I did see this earlier that personal terms couldn't be agreed. I wonder if that was pay or something different. I would be staggered if they couldn't match the salary as we can't be paying him too much. Very best, KRO! (Matt)

[@bcfc18751]

Your starting XI is spot on, unless we get Stansfield!! KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. If we can sign Stansfield then that would be a great team selection problem to have. I think our starting line up could and should accommodate both May and Stansfield. At the moment however, that is just a pipe dream as Stansfield is a Fulham player. KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@martindavies3404]

What if you pay 6m for Stansfield, does he start?

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks Martin! I think if we were to sign him than Chris Davies would possibly change formation slightly to accommodate 2 up front. Dad mentioned in the video that May get's into slightly better positions and he of course knows League 1 really well with the amount of goals he has scored across the last few seasons. It would be another balance to strike (excuse the pun) but also for me, Stanno would be be an investment for the future as he is still really young. I would be interested to see how Davies would manage it. Very best, KRO! (Matt)

[@The_wulf89]

Love stansfeild but we going to pay 6 million up front then a further 14 million 😅 20 million for him is crazy

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thanks for commenting! :) Is this true? I guess this is the problem with speculation we all hear something different 😂 I heard £4 million up front and rising to £10 million. £20 million is an absolute no go! That is a silly amount of money. Very best, KRO! (Matt)

[@nonstop1967]

Sanderson has been class in pre season in the two games I seen KLARER he hasn’t impressed me like Sanderson has and it looks like he lacks pace something Sanderson has KRO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. Sanderson has done well in pre-season and really knuckled down. Compared to last season he looks like a completely different player (for the better) KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@grahamridsdill2983]

Could you discuss fans lack of singing during the game please

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment Graham. I've supported Blues for over 50 years and although we have had some tough times, the fans always get behind the team. Yes, like every club there have also been frustrating times but in my opinion Blues fans are amongst the most loyal supporters you will come across. Are there any particular games you are referring too or is this a general comment? KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@franknightingale6116]

I'm beginning to get concerned . We haven't signed anyone for over a week.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Haha! I was thinking the same thing earlier :) In some ways I don't mind the quiet as it shows the club is doing their due-diligence and doing things the proper way. I have no doubt we will see more come through the door before the season starts and certainly before the window closes. Very best, KRO! (Matt)

[@mimigization]

If we bought Stansfield, where do you play him ?

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. That is a good question that has crossed my mind as well. If we get Stansfield he could play in that number 10 role just behind May which I think would suit him well. This would allow Willumsson to drop a little deeper into central midfield and give us that physicality we keep talking about. Imagine having May and Stansfield up front, now that would be something! KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@simonedgbaston]

👍🏻Absolutely 😊​@@BCFCRoyalBlue

[@KeithWard-dz2yf]

If we hadn't bought May, I would have jumped at Stansfield, I like him a lot. But I think we need a bigger physical player up front with May and I'm sure for the reputed 6 mill we could get one. I wish us fans would stop going on about this record 103 points, I think it's alienating a lot of people against us been arrogant, and I can see where they're coming from. Keep your feet on the ground lads, I'd settle for going up on goal difference on the last day,

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

@@KeithWard-dz2yf totally agree Keith. I think this division is going to be a lot tougher than many think. KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@FutureIsBlue-tq1xy]

Number 10

[@Kevinkinsella-f9k]

Are you really sure about Alfie May at no9 lads

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. I think we both selected Alfie as our No.11. He will be the spearhead for the team I'm sure. KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@FireMoon42]

Tatts son will play first team football before Dixon IMHO

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. I think everyone was expecting to see Dixon in pre-season however, we've not see him at all. It is clear that Chris Davies does not think he is ready just yet but you never know he may get his chance in one of the cups, unless of course he had been earmarked to go out on loan. KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@danielebanks3345]

Dixon off to Boreham Wood or summit

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

I read this about an hour ago. Fair play to him for wanting to make the step up into the mens football and get the real game experience. I felt we would see him feature this season but I have also heard their is a bit of an attitude problem but still hoping to see him in the first team in the coming years :) Very best, KRO! (Matt)

[@MrCdonn]

I agree with dad for sanderson starting. Both pretty much bang on with the line up

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. Sanderson has done really well in pre-season and got his head down and grafted so I think he deserves a place in the starting line up. That is the attitude we want to see from all of our players going forward. Who would have thought that Sanderson could ping 40-50 yard balls across the pitch? Fair play to him. KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@victormalin2782]

Ethan laird ?.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment Victor. Do you have a question about Ethan Laird? KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@hudson7354]

Dixon just isn’t very good and our fans need to accept he will never play for us

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment. I’m not sure about him not being very good, we have not seen him in competitive action. He will get his chance now on loan at Boreham Wood and that will give us a better indication. I think he will be a very good player but obviously, time will tell. KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@PaulElstins-gt2qc]

❤ yes to the team .go and get them you ❤ley blues win yes win 23.000 at the royal blues 😉☺️🤗🫡. Up the royal blues yes win Saturday w.b.a. 🤩😉...

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment Paul. KRO and kind regards (Gary)

[@samdavis3873]

Ain't you got your defense shirt numbers arse about front? Right back = 2, Right centre back = 4, Left back = 3, Left centre back = 5. KRO. SOTV.

[@BCFCRoyalBlue]

Thank you for your comment Sam. It is just for demonstration purposes only, we discuss each position separately during the podcast so that you know exactly which position we are talking about. In any event with squad numbering today it would be pointless trying to come up with a perfect numbering system. KRO and kind regards (Gary)