Matchday: Birmingham City v Oxford United - Aug 24

[BluZ]

This thread is for the general discussion of the Birmingham City v Oxford United - Aug 24. Please add to the discussion here.

Opposition Focus: Oxford United​

Championship Round 3 – Sun, August 24 | St. Andrews @ Knighthead Park


Birmingham face Oxford United, who head into the new campaign looking to build after surviving a relegation battle last season, finishing 17th in the Championship.

Summer Business​

Oxford have strengthened their squad with several new arrivals:

• Brodie Spencer – versatile defender from Huddersfield Town
• Brian De Keersmaecker – energetic midfielder from Heracles Almelo
• Luke Harris – attacking midfielder on loan from Fulham
• Nik Prelec – striker expected to join on loan from Cagliari

Key Players​

• Mark Harris – captain and last season’s top scorer, vital up front
• Luke Harris – creative spark in midfield
• Brodie Spencer – adds defensive stability
• Brian De Keersmaecker – brings bite and energy in midfield

Context​

After narrowly avoiding the drop, Oxford know they must start strongly. Their summer business shows real intent, adding creativity, energy, and depth across the pitch. With new faces bedding in alongside Harris, they’ll be hoping to steer well clear of another relegation scrap.

Score and Team Prediction​

What’s your score and team prediction for the Oxford game? Share your thoughts below

 

[BluZ]

Here we go again. Another home game and another one sold out. Unfortunatly I won't be watching live as I have to work, so I am hoping I can avoid the score until the full match replay drops. Which I believe are being released quicker than before.

I wonder if Cochrane gets a rest after taking a knock during the Blackburn game?

 

[kiwipete]

I'm sure Cochrane will be left out of this one and given good rest and recovery time.
I thought the idea of loaning Cashin was as a left sided centre back initially but secondary cover for left back, yet when Cochrane went off CD decided to play Laird out of position (Laird played a fantastic game, all the same.) I suppose we revert to the plentiful saying at the moment
"In Chris Davies we trust"

I'm opting for a comfortable 3-0 win

 

[swindognz]

Yeap reckon easy win for blues this week been a good start to the season not all wins but positive start?

 

[kiwipete]

My take on the players in this game.

Allsop...Dependable as ever, looks comfortable in this league.
Osayi-Samuel...Was compact and did OK, not as eye catching as in previous games.
Neumann... Solid no nonsense defender, forming a good partnership with Klarer.
Klarer...Played well, has the odd concentration lapse when back passing sometimes (Could be thinking of captaincy duties)
Laird...Exciting every time he gets on the ball, I'm still confused as to why he is playing out of position when we have Cashin on loan.
Iwata...Grafting away creates space for others, decision making sometimes a bit slow and gets caught in possession.
Paik...Like Iwata sometimes too laid back and slows up free flowing moves, positional sense is excellent.
Gray...Sublime skills and still has rapid acceleration, anxious to score, should settle down when he scores his first one.
Stansfield...Big bundle of energy, annoys me that he has the skills but also at times has the touch of an elephant.
Willumsson...For a big man he can apply some deft touches, improving game by game, his vision and awareness is magnificent.
Furuhashi...Like Stansfield has energy to burn, but I think he needs a couple of games with the 21's to get his target sights adjusted.

Your thoughts/comments please

 

[BluZ]

Watched the game this morning, very sleep deprived so wasn't watching it with too much focus. Mostly distracted by the pretty colours and shapes.

On the whole we dominated the game and left them very little. We played some fantastic stuff at times, and individuals' skill really shone. There are still gears to go up with this squad and with a few different combinations of players could unlock them. Really exciting season ahead.

A few more goals per game, (look at Cov) would make me feel more confident. But we're winning games!

 

[admin]

Watch party via teams tonight at 8pm