Preview: Birmingham City vs. Swansea City - prediction, team news, lineups

Swansea City head into their Championship fixture with Birmingham City looking for the victory which will keep the club in the race for automatic promotion.

Despite having played four matches more than nearest rivals Rotherham United, Blues sit just three points above the relegation zone.

Match preview

© Reuters

On the back of a one-sided defeat at Watford, Birmingham supporters will have mixed views regarding Lee Bowyer's start to life at St Andrew's.

Nevertheless, three points from two games against playoff contenders represents a strong start for the former midfielder, who is aware that the previous success against Reading will soon be forgotten unless more positive results are posted in the coming weeks.

Rather than worrying about Rotherham's games in hand, Bowyer will be focused on overhauling the teams above them now that they sit just four points adrift of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.

For all the criticism of their home form this season, Blues have two wins to their name in three outings, the other being a comeback success against Queens Park Rangers.

At a time when they still possess the worst home record in the division, Blues square off against opposition who have collected 31 points from 18 fixtures on their travels.

© Reuters

Steve Cooper has been left frustrated by successive defeats against Bournemouth and Cardiff City, results which have left the Swans as outsiders for the top two.

With Norwich City all but out of their reach, the Welsh outfit are now relying on Watford's prolonged winning streak coming to an end as soon as possible.

Even with a game in hand, Swansea are showing signs that they will not be able to keep pace with the Hornets, putting the onus on securing a top-four spot over the coming weeks.

As well as failing to score in their last two encounters, three of Swansea's last six strikes have come from the penalty spot, two of which have been decisive goals in added-on time.

Few can argue that Cooper's side have enjoyed their fair share of good fortune since the beginning of March, but a break from action and a change of scenery for their international representatives may work wonders for this squad.

Team News

© Reuters

Despite being outclassed by Watford two weeks ago, Bowyer will give consideration to naming an unchanged starting lineup after their previous win over Reading.

In a bid to match Swansea's numbers in midfield, Mikel San Jose could be drafted into midfield as a replacement for Scott Hogan or Lukas Jutkiewicz.

Ivan Sanchez may also get an opportunity ahead of Alen Halilovic on the right flank.

Ben Cabango is in line to be included in the Swansea side as a replacement for Marc Guehi, who has been representing England Under-21s at the European Championship.

Morgan Whittaker should keep his place ahead of Jamal Lowe, but Conor Hourihane is a major doubt due to a hamstring injury.

Birmingham City possible starting lineup:

Etheridge; Colin, Roberts, Dean, Pedersen; Sanchez, Gardner, San Jose, Harper, Bela; Jutkiewicz

Swansea City possible starting lineup:

Woodman; Naughton, Bennett, Cabango; Roberts, Fulton, Grimes, Bidwell; Dhanda; Ayew, Whittaker

We say: Birmingham City 1-1 Swansea City

On the back of their last two performances, Cooper will expect a strong response from his side. However, the appointment of Bowyer can only have a positive effect on Blues, leading us to predict a low-scoring draw.