Zola should give these 3 Birmingham players a chance against Newcastle

Viv Solomon-Otabor

Birmingham’s Young Player of the Season for the previous campaign Viv Solomon-Otabor has been restricted to just one start this term, but could double that tally on Saturday.

The 21-year-old had to be patient and wait for his chance last time around, given Demarai Gray’s fine performances, yet the latter’s move to Leicester in January opened the door for Solomon-Otabor, and he gratefully took it to warm to the Birmingham faithful.

However, he has been restricted to just one start, which was in the League Cup back in August, and just 14 minutes of Championship action this season, yet his pace and directness could be what the hosts need to get at Newcastle on Saturday.

The St Andrew’s faithful haven’t had loads to cheer about in recent weeks, yet if Solomon-Otabor can inject pace into proceedings, he would get the fans onside ahead of a tricky cup tie.