Deeney to cap Birmingham debut with winner
The domestic calendar resumes swiftly after the international break on Friday evening in the Championship, with Birmingham City taking on the ever-fraught Derby County at St. Andrew's. The hosts acquired the services of veteran striker Troy Deeney during the lull, and manager Lee Bowyer will be banking on the former Watford icon helping his new teammates increase their conversion rate in front of goal. Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney's men will be without Colin Kazim-Richards in attack, meaning Sam Baldock will be in the XI by default after passing a late fitness test. Read our preview here:
The Deen machine
Scott Hogan will be Deeney's partner in the 3-5-2 shape that emphasises direct balls to the frontline, but with no shortage of endeavour and overlapping from within the midfield ranks. The former Aston Villa centre forward has started 2021/2022 well, already scoring twice, and will be able to count upon his new compatriot's know-how in and around the penalty area to aid his chances of adding to his tally over the course of the campaign. Deeney's timely defensive contributions will also free up Hogan to stay further upfield in open play, whilst both will look to latch onto exciting Manchester United loanee Tahith Chong's through balls to bisect the Rams' defensive units. Wing-backs Jérémie Bela and Maxime Colin have already proved their worth at both ends in the Championship, as has the experienced head of Marc Roberts on the right side of the back three. Aerial dominance will be a key factor for the Blues, both on Friday and for their season's hopes.
Not going to un-Ravel
The trials and tribulations are far from over for Rooney or the club he is still attempting desperately to mould into something resembling a fighting force, but the dark financial clouds and EFL sanctions are not within his gift to change. Free agents have been allowed to sign for the visitors, albeit on very stringent terms. Remarkably, they are battling well where they can, and one of the biggest reasons for this have been the performances of Ravel Morrison, Rooney's old teammate at Old Trafford. The 28 year old, who elected to play for Jamaica at international level last year, remains capable of conjuring something from nothing, and up against a miserly Birmingham backline, that skill will be vital. Baldock hasn't had a great few years, but ought to thrive on the importance placed upon his shoulders, particularly in Kazim-Richards' enforced absence.
A quivering Boywer
Derby have also managed to shut out the opposition admirably thus far, but are going to have a tough time under the lights and cameras on Friday. Deeney will be a bully (in the best possible sense of the word) all night long, and betway have odds of 2.50 for him to score anytime.
