Pritchard out, 4-2-3-1: The predicted Birmingham City XI to face Sheffield Wednesday on Friday | OneFootball

Highlights

Birmingham City will look to shake off their first defeat under Tony Mowbray when they travel to Hillsborough to take on second-tier strugglers Sheffield Wednesday on Friday evening.

Blues were edged out 1-0 last weekend by Mowbray’s former employers West Bromwich Albion but will take positives given the fact they made the game so competitive for the Baggies.

However, consistent results will have to start coming quickly, with the West Midlands outfit sitting just four points above the bottom three.

But points will not arrive easily, as Blues currently have to deal with a host of injury problems plaguing the squad that is sure to frustrate Mowbray.

Nevertheless, Birmingham will view this as an ideal opportunity to claw themselves away from relegation danger, after the Owls suffered a thumping 4-0 defeat at Huddersfield Town in their last Championship outing.

GK: Neil Etheridge

Etheridge deputised between the sticks against West Brom after a calf issue to usual number one choice John Ruddy.

With Ruddy set to miss out on the trip to Yorkshire too, Etheridge is set to retain his place.

RB: Ethan Laird

As Cody Drameh continues to struggle with a toe problem, Laird’s timely arrival back into the side has been a welcome boost.

The former Manchester United full-back made his first Championship appearance since early December at The Hawthorns and should be in line for another start.

CB: Krystian Bielik

Starting off the partnership in central defence is Bielik, who Mowbray believes can play a John Stones-type role for his side.

Despite playing the majority of his Blues career in midfield, the Blues boss has been full of praise for the Polish international’s performances at the heart of the defence, and it looks certain that the 26-year-old will retain his place there.

CB: Kevin Long

Set to partner Bielik is Long, who was part of the robust defence to shut out West Brom for 85 minutes last weekend.

The former Burnley defender was desperately unlucky to see his header bounce off the inside of the post early in the second half at The Hawthorns.

After starting two out of the last three league games, Long has surely done enough to start again.

LB: Lee Buchanan

Rounding off the defence is Buchanan, who has largely been a first team mainstay since arriving from Werder Bremen last summer.

Featuring in every game under Mowbray’s tenure so far, the 22-year-old should be fit to start.

CM: Juninho Bacuna

Unsavoury scenes involving Bacuna happened at The Hawthorns last weekend, as the midfielder allegedly had racial abuse directed towards him by a home supporter.

Bacuna dealt with the incident in a calm and controlled manner and could return to the side in the place of Andre Dozzell.

CM: Ivan Sunjic

Partnering Bacuna is Sunjic, who has undergone a resurgence at St Andrew's after returning from a loan spell at Hertha Berlin this term.

The Croatian midfielder has captained the side in the last two fixtures and appears firmly in Mowbray’s plans since his arrival.

LW: Siriki Dembele

Dembele has been a regular source of goals during the season, with six strikes recorded from 24 Championship games.

The wide man is searching for his first goal on the road this term and will hope to break the drought at Hillsborough.

RW: Koji Miyoshi

On the opposite flank comes Miyoshi, who appears to have nailed down a first-team spot after an inconsistent run of game-time under Wayne Rooney.

The Japanese international has started four of the last five matches under Mowbray and should have the opportunity to extend the streak.

AM: Jordan James

The second change to the XI comes in attacking midfield, as Jordan James replaces January addition Alex Pritchard.

After signing from Sunderland for a reported £100,000 fee, Pritchard was withdrawn in the first half at West Brom after suffering tightness in his calf, and Birmingham World reported the 30-year-old would need a scan on the issue before the clash with the Owls.

Even if passed fit, Pritchard may only feature off the bench, which opens the door for James to stake a claim for regular starts during February.

James has been excellent this season, with the 19-year-old scoring six goals from 32 appearances in all competitions and Mowbray will be delighted to have such strong depth in the final third.

ST: Jay Stansfield

Leading the line once again should be Stansfield, who has adapted to life in the second tier very well after joining on loan from Premier League side Fulham.

Stansfield remains Birmingham’s top scorer with eight league goals, and will aim to add to his tally this evening.