Birmingham City chances for survival have received a potential boost

Birmingham City’s midfield depth is set to increase with the return of Alex Pritchard to the matchday squad this weekend.

Pritchard, who joined the Blues from Sunderland in January, has missed the last three games due to injury but is eligible for selection against promotion-chasing Leicester City this weekend.

Birmingham will be trying to start a winning streak to get closer to safety, as their current situation is concerning. The West Midlands team is 20th, two points above the relegation zone, with only one win in their previous eight games.

Importantly, they won their encounter against Preston North End on Easter Monday and kept a clean sheet. Interim manager Gary Rowett will be hoping that his team can build on that momentum, but they have a difficult assignment away from home against a top team.

Leicester are now in the middle of a three-way title race, and they know that if they win out this season, they will be champions. Enzo Maresca’s players are unlikely to let up at any time, and they will face stiff competition.

However, their performance against Preston was positive, and the news that Alex Pritchard will be available for selection adds to that positivity.

In an interview with the club’s official website, Rowett provided an update on the midfielder’s injury status and how he could be included in the matchday squad.

“He exercised on Sunday, and we thought it was a little early to put him back in the squad. We now have a reasonably large roster, and by no fault of our own, we have quite a few players in the same region of the pitch.

“In terms of the bench, I occasionally have to make wise decisions, which may entail leaving one or two out through no fault of their own, but simply because I don’t need these types of guys.

“We have to find methods to make wise judgments, but he is one, and with his experience and quality, there will be times when you need that guy. Certainly, he will be accessible to Leicester.”

Things may have not quite gone to plan for Pritchard since signing from Sunderland in the January window and injuries have certainly hampered his playing time. There are however still six games this season and he’ll be hoping to repay the club’s faith in him and make an impact.

Experience will count for a lot in the run-in and that’s something the midfielder certainly has. He could well be the difference between Birmingham maintaining their second tier status, or being relegated to League One. On his day Pritchard is unplayable and fans will be hoping he returns at his best.

Leicester represent a tricky task and are easily the hardest of their six remaining fixtures. Going into it with a nothing to lose mind set could well help the players potentially pull off an upset this weekend.