Jordan James starts: The strongest Birmingham City XI John Eustace can field as Luton Town clash looms

Preparing for the start of the new Championship campaign, Birmingham City will be hoping to progress after last season’s 20th placed finish. 

The Blues, who start the 2022/23 season with a trip to Luton Town a week on Saturday, are now under the stewardship of John Eustace, with the former QPR coach entering his first job in a leading role.

Showing some positive signs during pre-season thus far, Eustace will continue looking to embed and instil his ideas into the squad, with the new Birmingham manager someone who can bring bright, attacking football to St Andrew’s.

Whilst we wait for the new campaign to begin, here, we take a look at how Birmingham could line up for the opening game of the campaign in Bedfordshire…

John Ruddy will have to battle it out with Neil Etheridge for a starting spot come next Saturday but given the fact that Ruddy joined the first team for their trip to Solihull Moors yesterday, it should be the more experienced shot-stopper who is handed a start on the opening day.

Dion Sanderson has returned to the Midlands after what was a productive loan spell with the Blues during the first half of last season, with the 22-year-old a likely candidate for the right-sided centre-back role.

Marc Roberts could be tasked with operating as the more central option within the back three, paving the way for Aston Trusty to step into a left-sided defensive role.

Maxime Colin has been a steady performer for the Blues for a number of years now and it is likely that he will see regular minutes once again when the new season kicks off.

Providing a more attacking option on the other flank, Jonathan Leko could be tasked with transferring his pre-season promise to the Championship.

Jordan James is an exciting midfield