Garry Monk will be frustrated by Birmingham City’s start to the Sky Bet Championship season, with the Blues deserving of more than the two points they currently have on the board.  

An opening day draw with Norwich City was disappointing, whilst Monk will have been able to pull positives from a narrow defeat at Middlesbrough.

On Friday, Monk will have been so disappointed by a goalless draw with Swansea City, with Birmingham far superior to their Welsh opposition at St Andrew’s.

The Blues were knocking on the door for 90 minutes, but some poor finishing let them down on the night.

However, the performance was encouraging enough, with Birmingham surely confident of picking up their first victory against Bolton Wanderers this week.

Here at FLW, we take a look at Monk’s squad, identifying the starting XI we believe the Birmingham boss should be fielding as he looks to finally get things going this season…

Camp registered a clean sheet on Friday and should be included once again this week against the Trotters.

Colin is so consistent on the right, with the former Brentford full-back linking up well with Jota.

Monk will know the importance of consistency at centre-back, with Morrison set to continue here.

Again, Dean should continue as Monk looks to him and Morrison to strike up a partnership.

Pedersen completes an unchanged defensive unit.

On Friday, the Blues were solid enough against Swansea, dealing with their attacking threat well.

Jota is Birmingham’s key creative cog.

He links up well with Colin, but Monk will be looking for more this week.

Gardner’s performance on Friday was very impressive, with the midfielder’s effort really encouraging supporters.

If fully fit, he should certainly continue.

Kieftenbeld complemented Gardner well on Friday night, with Birmingham’s midfield duo well on top of Swansea.

On the opposite side to Jota, Maghoma adds width on the left.

Like his fellow winger, Monk will want more from Maghoma in the final third.

Jutkiewicz offers Monk’s side a real presence at the top of the field.

He should continue in this 4-4-2 formation.

Omar Bogle was effective on Friday, but Birmingham’s forwards were wasteful.

You feel that getting Adams in the team regularly will solve Birmingham’s goalscoring problems.

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