In the grand scheme of things, draws against Cardiff and Newcastle could prove to be vital. If Blues survive by a point or two, you’d be entitled to look back at those games as pivotal fixtures in beating the drop.
For the record, I don’t think Blues will be relegated, even if they lose at Ipswich this afternoon. I believe that the points banked during the first half of the campaign should see Blues through. Two wins just to make sure, though.
Ipswich are in a similar predicament as Blues – one place above, level on points. If Blues are in a relegation battle then, make no mistake, so are Ipswich – which should make today’s game an intriguing one. Mick McCarthy’s men are the embodiment of a Championship side – gritty, workmanlike, organised. Portman Road is a horrible place to go and Blues’ record there isn’t the greatest in recent times.
Ipswich were the last team to play against Gary Rowett’s Blues, the change they’ll see in their visitors tomorrow will be stark. And that’s not strictly a negative statement – the style may be more pleasing on the eye – but the effectiveness of the team has taken a nosedive.
Seemingly, Gianfranco Zola has placed more of an emphasis on defensive organisation which has been evident in the last two games. Following the international break, if Blues can keep the back five (assuming that’s the formation of choice) aligned and co-ordinated, they may have half a chance of pulling off a few results.
It’ll be a difficult run-in to the end of the season but Birmingham City should have enough in their locker to survive. What happens after that is anyone’s guess.
As always, Keep Right On!
Share this article
Related Articles
