Back to business and back to basics

Unlike most other international breaks, Blues would have welcomed the latest one. With just one win in the last five games, Gary Rowett would have been praying for the quick arrival of the next bout of England fixtures.

That international break is now over and Blues must make sure they have dusted themselves down and are ready to inject new momentum into their season when Bristol City visit St. Andrews on Saturday.

While back-to-back 1-1 draws against Aston Villa and Huddersfield Town represent a decent return, Blues need wins to propel themselves back into the play-offs.

The last two games have been a case of turning tables. Against Villa, Blues arguably deserved all three points after an impressive performance. At Huddersfield, Blues could count themselves lucky to come away with a point after being largely outplayed for long periods.

Now it`s back to business and back to basics. We want to see the team being snappy in the tackle, moving the ball well and creating chances. Bristol City won`t be an easy game but it`s a winnable one if Blues get it right on the day.

I can see the game being a midfield duel. With that in mind, I`d start David Davis alongside Maikel Kieftenbeld in the centre of the park with Che Adams partnering either Clayton Donaldson or Lukas Jutkiewicz in a flat 4-4-2 formation. That system doesn`t always work for Blues but this season, they`ve had a bit more success with it. I wouldn`t entertain the idea of a Donaldson / Jutkiewicz partnership and the hoof ball that comes with it but a solid base with a tight midfield could be plan A.

Failing that, Blues can call on the likes of Stephen Gleeson, Diego Fabbrini, Greg Stewart, Reece Brown, Viv Solomon-Otabor and Robert Tesche (if fit) in an attempt to change the dynamics of the game.

It`s a refreshing change to write an article highlighting the depth of Blues` squad when last season, most of my writing space was dominated by moaning that we didn`t have a plan B. The system won`t always work and the team selection won`t always be right. However, having the scope to adjust is a small sign of the progression Blues have made.