Diego and Che for derby day

Right, rip up the script and let’s start again. The last three games have been and gone, it’s time to get back to business.

It’s been noticed that the substitutes bench has been full of attacking flair in recent weeks. While Gary Rowett, rightly or wrongly, opted for solidity over creative edge at Burton, we can’t afford the make the same mistake again.

We have too much talent itching for time on the pitch. Instead of showing off their ability, they’re growing mouldy.

Che Adams has had enough of a rest now, he has to start in the derby. Diego Fabbrini was bought in as a link between the midfield and striker. Let’s put him in and see if he can give Lukas Jutkiewicz or Clayton Donaldson some decent service.

This season, Blues have supposedly had a plan A, B and C as opposed to just plan A last season. However, on Friday evening, we reverted to that old plan A and didn’t change it until it was too late.

For starters, this long ball nonsense has got to stop. Jutkiewicz may be a big target man, but he also possesses feet. Let him use them. Save his head for crosses from out wide, not hoofs from centre back. Adams and Fabbrini can act as the supply line.

If we lose, well we tried. We cannot lose the game by being negative. We have to go for it. Villa are shaky at the back so we need to pummel them. Let’s get balls out wide. Let’s get bodies in the box. Let’s surround their keeper from set pieces. Let’s press high up the pitch. Let’s force them into playing our recently adopted hoof ball.

Take the shackles off Adams. Let him be the one to cut inside and support the striker, whoever that may be. Let’s give Diego the chance to spray passes left, right and centre before making a late arrival into the area.

Come on Blues! We’re better than this!