Here is our forecast for the starting lineup Wayne Rooney is expected to field in his debut as the manager of Birmingham City against Middlesbrough this Saturday. In his first game at the helm, Rooney and his Birmingham City team will head to Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship, aiming to pick up where the former manager, John Eustace, left off.
Rooney steps into this role amid significant anticipation, driven by the abrupt nature of his appointment and his worldwide renown. The primary objective is to sustain the progress initiated by Eustace and to keep Birmingham City in contention for a play-off spot, despite being just three points away from the lower half of the table.
On the other hand, Middlesbrough had a woeful start to the season, garnering only two points in their initial seven games. However, they have experienced a recent resurgence, climbing out of the relegation zone and securing the 16th position after winning four consecutive matches. Their aim is to extend their winning streak to five this weekend.
Rooney’s goal is to thwart Middlesbrough’s aspirations at the Riverside Stadium, and he is likely to employ a formation similar to Eustace’s, with a 4-2-3-1 setup. Below is our projection for Rooney’s first Birmingham City lineup, along with concise explanations for each of the 11 players included.
1. GK: John Ruddy
Should remain the number one choice in between the sticks, even under new management.
2. RB: Cody Drameh
Has been brilliant in Ethan Laird’s absence and should carry on his run of games with Laird still a doubt.
3. CB: Dion Sanderson
Keeps the armband under Rooney and is undoubtedly the first name on the team sheet for Blues.
4. CB: Kevin Long
Has settled in brilliantly as Sanderson’s counterpart in central defence. Could soon see Aiwu come in due to Rooney’s tendency to play out from the back, but Long stays in for now.
5. LB: Emmanuel Longelo
Stays in the team ahead of Buchanan after the full-back rolled his ankle in training a few weeks ago. Manny now has the chance to step up and make the place his own.
6. CM: Krystian Bielik
Worked with Rooney at Derby County and is likely to remain a key player at the base of midfield.
7. CM: Ivan Sunjic
Could be at risk of losing his place under Rooney but stays in the team. Juninho Bacuna is unlikely to play as he’s back from international duty later than most.
8. RM: Jordan James
Starred for Wales vs Croatia during the international break and deserves an opportunity, albeit in a slightly different role on the right.
9. LM: Siriki Dembele
The former AFC Bournemouth man has been such an exciting player to watch so far this season and has should lock down the left wing spot.
10. CAM: Koji Miyoshi
Works well as a playmaker just behind the striker. One of the best signings of the summer, without a doubt.
11. ST: Jay Stansfield
Starts ahead of Hogan, who hasn’t scored since August 26. Stansfield has been seriously impressive since joining on loan.