Birmingham City will look to make it back-to-back victories when they take on Leeds United this weekend in what will be a tough game for Pep Clotet's side.

After what has been a mixed opening quarter to the season, Blues find themselves in the top half after a convincing performance and three points against Middlesbrough prior to the international break.

Whilst they were impressive that day, three defeats in a row leading up to the game highlights how inconsistency is a problem for the team.

Here we look at TWO strengths and TWO weaknesses of Birmingham City right now...

Clotet may have found the right midfield combination

Summer signing Ivan Sunjic is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Blues but finding a midfield partner for him hadn't worked for much of the campaign so far.

However, Clotet took a risk and put 16-year-old Jude Bellingham alongside the Croat and they flourished as a pair.

They kept the ball well, pressed and linked up instantly. They could be a great partnership moving forward.

The defensive unit is settled

Garry Monk's Blues side last season were built on a solid defence and despite losing club captain Michael Morrison in the summer, it's been more of the same in the opening 11 games.

Marc Roberts has stepped up alongside Harlee Dean, with reliable full-backs Maxime Colin and Kristian Pedersen part of a back four that picks itself.

They struggle to score goals

Losing Che Adams to Southampton in the summer was a real setback for Blues and they haven't replaced his goals.

Lukas Jutkiewicz has scored just three this season and only four teams have bagged fewer than Blues' 11.

It's a massive problem and something that needs to be addressed in January.

There's a lack of depth in key areas

Another worry for Clotet is the lack of strength in depth he has in his squad.

You could argue they are short in defence, midfield and attack, as they may struggle to cope if any of the starting XI picked up an injury.

Of course, Blues have had issues bringing in players over the years but they need to do what they can in the New Year.

 

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