Birmingham City welcome back David Davis and Craig Gardner into the squad for tomorrow’s big derby match against Wolves at Molineux.
The pair return just at the right time following their recent suspensions and I expect them both to head straight back into Gianfranco Zola`s starting 11.
Being local lads, it’s crucial that both Davis and Gardner are available for this fixture as they know what it means and have that extra hunger to put in an extra 10%.
Blues were also low on midfield options last week against QPR so it will give Zola less of a problem when it comes to the availability of players in that position.
Now, although Gardner`s performances since he returned to the club haven’t set the world alight, I do think that this fixture is one in which he can come alive in and really come to the forefront.
Along with Davis, we need Gardner to be covering that ground in midfield and really drive at that Wolves defence when he gets the chance.
We all know what he can do when he gets in and around the edge of the penalty area but it’s just a case of getting him in those positions and then showing that quality.
His set pieces also need to be a lot better than they have been as Blues are really struggling to score goals at the moment and our best chances may come from a corner or free kick.
Similarly, I believe that Davis returning is just as vital to the team as his energy and drive is something we certainly miss when he isn’t playing.
He will be fired up for playing against his former club and we all know what he did the last time Blues faced one of their local rivals.
Blues need to be at it from the first whistle to the last tomorrow. Keep it tight, keep it solid and show that bit of quality that I know we have.
The pressure is on for Zola and the players to deliver and what better way to get a first away win since November than against Paul Lambert and his Wolves side in their own back yard.
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