These are uncertain times at Birmingham City, with Garry Monk not knowing whether he can sign new players due to a transfer embargo at the moment.

The Blues are obviously hoping that the transfer embargo will be lifted in time for them to snap up some new players ahead of the upcoming campaign, otherwise the squad will be light heading into the new season.

Monk worked wonders at Birmingham towards the end of last season, helping to keep them up on the final day of the campaign and he will want to avoid a repeat of that at all costs next year.

Birmingham kick-start their 2018/19 campaign next weekend against Norwich City and that will be a tricky test for both sides at St Andrew's.

Monk will already have an idea of how he would like to line up in that match and here is the starting XI we expect him to deploy, in a 4-4-2 formation.

With David Stockdale and Tomasz Kuszczak being forced out of the exit door, Birmingham have little choice between the sticks.

22-year-old Trueman, who stands at 6ft 1in tall, has never played a game in the Football League but he could be thrown in at the deep end unless they sign a goalkeeper in the coming week or recall one of their current ones.

It is harsh to drop Wes Harding to the bench after he impressed at the back end of last season and earned a new contract but Colin will probably get the nod.

The 26-year-old is one of Birmingham's best defenders.

Morrison will remain in central defence for next season.

The 30-year-old has vast experience at Championship level.

Dean will probably partner Morrison and get the nod ahead of Marc Roberts.

The former Brentford defender is solid at the back but susceptible to the odd disciplinary problem.

New signing Pedersen is likely to start at left-back if he is given clearance to play.

The 23-year-old has been a long-term target for Monk and Birmingham fans will be excited to see him in action.

On his day, Jota is one of the deadliest wide men in the Championship.

With a fantastic left boot and the ability to dribble past players with ease, Blues fans will be expecting big things from the Spaniard.

Kieftenbeld is so solid sitting in front of the back four.

The Dutchman is no-nonsense and tough to penetrate in the middle of the park.

With David Davis out injured, either Ndoye or Craig Gardner will get the nod alongside Kieftenbeld.

We expect Ndoye to start again because Monk likes his running in the middle of the park.

Maghoma is another dangerous winger that Birmingham have on their books.

If him and Jota are not performing, the likes of Isaac Vassell and Viv Solomon-Otabor will be waiting on the bench to come on and impress.

This could be a huge season for Adams and if he continues to improve and adds consistency to his game, he could be a top Championship player.

The young forward is versatile and has great potential to get much better.

Alongside the smaller Adams, Monk will deploy a big man in Jutkiewicz.

The 29-year-old goes through patches where he scores a few and then doesn't score for ages so Monk will hope for a fast start to this campaign.