Match Facts

The Opposition

Under Garry Monk, Blues began last season with transfer restrictions imposed, and finished it in 17th after a nine-point deduction was also imposed. The deduction put paid to hopes of the play-offs, but the team were able to avoid relegation with two matches still to play.

Monk had to trust the bulk of the squad which had narrowly avoided relegation the previous season. Fortunately for Blues, in Che Adams and Lukas Jutkiewicz, they had two strikers about to enjoy a golden season; the duo contributing 36 of the club's 64 league goals. Heading into March sitting eighth, there were genuine hopes around St Andrew's that a Play-Off push was on but by the end of a horror month, staying up was the main priority.

Monk's side lost five on the bounce and received their nine-point deduction, leaving them just five points above the drop zone heading into April. An unbeaten seven-game run to the end of campaign ensured second tier football for next season.

However, much like last season, the summer has been dominated by off field matters with Monk's departure and replacement by Pep Clotet, the sale of Che Adams to Southampton, and the admission that the club will be relying heavily on youth prospects this term.

The Manager

Pep Clotet stepped up to the main job at St Andrew's in the summer, having been Assistant to Garry Monk previously. That role followed a short spell as Oxford United Head Coach which lasted just six months and 36 matches. After taking up coaching in his 20's, it was an inauspicious start for Pep as he was sacked from his first three jobs with all three teams getting relegated.

After failing to get promotion with Malaga, Pep's career took off when he joined the coaching staff at Swansea City in November 2013. Garry Monk's appointment saw Clotet promoted to Assistant Manager as The Swans finished eighth during the 2014/15 season. Clotet followed Monk to Leeds United but after their departure in June 2017, Clotet took the post at Oxford United rather than follow Monk to Middlesbrough.

Team News

Brentford will be without Saïd Benrahma and Mads Bech Sorensen through injury while Joel Valencia's participation depends on international clearance being granted. Kamohelo Mokotjo returned to training on Wednesday following participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Birmingham's midfield Spanish duo Agustin Medina and Ivan Guzman are expected to make their debuts. England Under-21 captain Jake Clarke-Salter is also set to feature after joining on loan from Chelsea.

Last Meeting

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