Blues v Villa : the five do’s

ATTACK

Blues won`t beat Villa by sitting back and trying to soak up pressure. With an abundance of attacking talent kicking their heels on the bench, it`s time to unleash them. Greg Stewart, Diego Fabbrini, Che Adams, Clayton Donaldson, Viv Solomon-Otabor and Jack Storer are all itching for a place in the team. Surely, two or three of them will play some part?!

PRESS HIGH UP THE PITCH

As much as we despise them, we cannot deny that, on paper, Villa have a good Championship squad. Now with Steve Bruce, they have a manager capable of getting the best out of them. By sitting in and watching them pass the ball around, Blues will get nowhere. We need the midfield two to press high up the pitch, get in their faces, chase back-passes down and defend from the front.

BE PATIENT

As much as Lee Clark`s Blues team tried, a game has never been won or lost in the first twenty minutes. Both sides will have their fair share of chances but after squandering one or two, the players must keep their heads and remain patient. Although I am calling for Blues to be attacking, going gung-ho from the first kick will leave us too open.

GET THE BASICS RIGHT

Blues have conceded seven goals in their last three games – many of these have been down to mistakes. Getting the basics right is essential. If the ball has to be lumped into row Z, then lump it into row Z.

FEED THE WIDE PLAYERS

Many of Villa`s conceded goals this season have been created out wide. This is a weakness that Blues can exploit if they give the wide players the ball in dangerous areas. It`s no good feeding Jacques Maghoma, David Cotterill, Greg Stewart or Che Adams when they are 70 yards from goal. Villa`s full-backs, especially Aly Cissokho, are prone to rash defending in the box. Let`s get at them, make them commit.