Birmingham City and the festive fixtures

The festive season has always been one of importance for any club’s ambitions. Whether that be a relegation dog fight or a promotion clash, the Christmas fixture pile up can often play a big part in deciding how the rest of the season pans out.

Blues have three games in seven days starting with a tough away fixture at in form Derby County on December 27.

Rob Wildey previews the three games and assesses where Gianfranco Zola’s men could win or lose the points.

Derby County, Pride Park, 27 December

This is arguably the toughest test for Blues over the Christmas period. Steve McClaren’s side are on a run of form that has propelled them back into the promotion mix.

In recent years, Blues have had success at Derby by sitting back and counter attacking. Last seasons fixture was the prime example with Blues winning 3-0 despite only have 40% of the possession.

Zola may instruct his side to sit tight and wait for the ball. But the problem with having so little of the ball is that you must be clinical when you’ve got it.

Barnsley, Oakwell, 31 December

Blues should be up for this one considering their 3-0 defeat at St. Andrews a few weeks back. This is the first game in Zola’s tenure that you’d expect Blues to try and control proceedings.

A bold team selection may be the way to go for this tricky but winnable away fixture. It’s also the last chance the players will get to stake their claim before the transfer window opens. It could also be Blues’ best chance to pick up a win over the festive season.

Brentford, St. Andrews, 2 January

A return to St. Andrews will be welcomed with open arms from Zola’s men after their last gasp defeat against Brighton last time out.

Brentford aren’t a bad side and can play football when they’re on song. But Blues fans will turn up expecting the three points and a good performance as the Zola era swings into life.

A bold team selection and an early goal would do the world of good, especially if Blues pick up points in the two games prior to this one.

Summary

Three tough games await Blues. Zola must put the Brighton defeat to one side and deliver the wins that can keep his sides play-offs challenge alive.

Blues are a team capable of picking up maximum points from these games but they could just as easily come away with absolutely nothing, such is the unpredictability of them.

Six points would be acceptable. Four wouldn’t be the end of the world. Anything less though, Zola will start feeling the pressure.