Kwame Poku ‘would fit Stoke City perfectly’ as Steven Schumacher gets thumbs up
Our Stoke City fans’ panel previews Championship clash with Birmingham, gives early verdicts on Steven Schumacher and mulls over what else is needed in January transfer window
Stoke City welcome Birmingham to the bet365 Stadium this weekend hoping to get another one over their old foe Tony Mowbray and continue a seven-match unbeaten run building hope in the Championship.
On our Stoke fans’ panel this week to discuss how Steven Schumacher should line up, early impressions of the new head coach and plenty more besides are MATT MORRIS, from Newcastle; ADAM BOULTON, from Stafford; and SIMON HUMPHREYS, from North Wales. If you would like to
How should Stoke line up vs Birmingham?
Matt Morris: Iversen, Hoever, McNally, Rose, Gooch, Burger, Baker, Cundle, Vidigal, Haksabanovic, Mmaee. I wouldn’t change too much from the Rotherham game as flat and lacking a cutting edge as the game ended up being; I do think a lot of that came from who the opposition were in all fairness. I do think Gooch is an important player in this team and if he’s fit and available, he should start as I think his energy and fitness is a key part to attacking Birmingham.
Adam Boulton: My team for Saturday is Iversen, Hoever, Thompson, Rose, McNally, Burger, Baker, Cundle, Bae, Mmaee and Vidigal. I can only see one change from the winning team because I don’t think Haksabanovic was involved as much as I liked v Rotherham and Bae doesn’t deserve to be on the bench. Also I really do think the way Thompson has performed at left-back means we aren’t too fussed about signing a left-back this transfer window.
Simon Humphreys: Some difficult calls both with the number of options and a number of potentially key players coming back to availability.
I think Iversen in goal, with a back four of Stevens/Thompson, Wilmot, McNally and Gooch. We’ll need to balance fully fit against returning so I’d suggest Lynden Gooch or Enda Stevens starting, but not both.
In the middle Burger has become the go-to first choice I’d add Cundle and Baker. The football world can turn quickly and Lewis Baker has returned from the edges of the squad and definite departee to a key option in midfield.
Similarly up front we need pace and additional goals. Here I think it’s time for Nathan Lowe to get his opportunity. High on confidence at home and with the support that brings. I’d use Tye Campbell (also gaining minutes on Monday night) for support, with Sead Haksabanovic taking the other wing. I think pace and aggression would help the front line. We’ll have a range of choices from the bench to change our playing style or deal with unexpected issues.
