Luke Turner looks ahead to tonight’s game…
Blues play their final home game of the season later tonight as they welcome Middlesbrough to St Andrews in what should be a cracker of a match.
Aitor Karanka`s side are poised for a return to the Premier League but only a win will really do for them if they are to really stamp their authority down.
If Blues had something to play for then Gary Rowett might’ve been a bit cautious in this game and opted to play three midfielders.
However, with our play-off dreams well gone and Maikel Kieftenbeld`s eye injury, I expect us to go fairly attacking by keeping Diego Fabbrini in the line up.
Boro are likely to have most of the possession throughout the game but we have shown this season that having possession isn’t really a worry for us.
If we keep solid as a unit and frustrate them, then the game should open up and more chances might come our way.
The pressure is off for us and we can play with freedom and hopefully the players will express themselves in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Middlesbrough do have the players with quality that could quite easily break us down but, if we stay resolute and work as a team, then there is no reason why we can’t get anything out of the game.
What we can’t do though is switch off as one lapse in concentration could be costly. We have an opportunity here to really shake up the promotion race so I expect us to really be up for it.
Boro are likely to control the game for large parts with the likes of Leadbitter and Clayton in the midfield but if we keep our shape and give them little space to manoeuvre in, then we can make it tough for them.
We also have players who can hurt their defence but we won’t be able to do that if we don’t attack them and give it a go.
Feeding the ball to the likes of David Cotterill is crucial as he can deliver those pin-point crosses for players in the middle to attack.
If we put pressure on their defence, then it will be a real mental test for them and perhaps show if they have what it takes to get over the line and get promoted this season.
It will sure be an exciting game ahead with a decent crowd expected and some quality players on show.
If Blues play without fear and with the intention to go and attack Middlesbrough, then there is no reason why we can’t go out and get our first home win since early March.