Blues News

Blues v Wolves: Jackett in the Pressure Cooker

|
Image for Blues v Wolves: Jackett in the Pressure Cooker

Wolves, tomorrow`s visitors to St. Andrew`s, are the team against whom Gary Rowett`s rein as Blues manager began. Last November, on the back of an 8-0 hammering, the Rowett revolution commenced.

Since then, Blues` fortunes have been totally and utterly transformed leading to a tenth place finish last season and at present, the team are sitting in a play-off berth.

The Wolves side that Blues took four points from last season have struggled to recapture their form this time round. The fans are unhappy with the board and some are even calling for manager Kenny Jackett`s head, which seems very premature.

Although this campaign is still in the embryotic stages, the modern football fan expects results from the off.

Jackett has acted by bringing in Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson on loan. Williamson has bags of Premier League experience with over 150 appearances in the famous black and white stripes.

Blues will find Wolves a tough nut to crack tomorrow. Rightly or wrongly, the pressure is mounting on Jackett`s regime and positive results are a must. The manager will know that Blues` main strength, and seemingly the only way they can currently play, is on the counter attack so they will more than likely try and stifle the game and therefore force Blues into trying to play an unfamiliar style.

Wolves, who sit 15th in the Championship, have scored 18 goals, only one fewer than Rowett`s men. Their problem lies in defence where they have shipped 20, hence the Williamson signing.

In Benik Afobe, Wolves boast one of the best centre forwards outside the top flight. With seven goals to his name already, Blues` defence will have to be at their very best to keep him quiet.

Rowett will be expecting his side to start another winning run following last weekend`s 2-0 loss at Hull City, where Blues were deservedly beat.

Twitter @TheWildeyShow

Share this article