Luke Turner’s thoughts on tomorrow’s game against Wolves…
It’s the big ding dong derby up next for Blues with a trip to Molineux tomorrow afternoon to face Kenny Jackett`s Wolverhampton Wanderers.
They are having a pretty mediocre season with a mid table finish looking the likeliest and they have definitely struggled to cope without the likes of Bakary Sako and now Benik Afobe who both moved to the Premier League.
Wolves went on a bit of a sticky patch a few weeks ago, failing to win in seven games but have since stepped up and won their last two at home.
Blues are, themselves, on a run of poor form away from home, without a win in four and failing to score in any of those.
But, as we know, form goes right out of the window when derby matches come along so I expect both sides to be right up for the battle.
Wolves have been very stop start this campaign so it is difficult so know what to expect from them but they have some physical players with the likes of Danny Batth, Dominic Iorfa, Kortney Hause and have recently acquired Jeremy Helan.
Hence, Blues will need to be clever in the way they attack as there are some big, strong, powerful bodies in that backline and midfield.
Kevin McDonald could be the key for them in the centre of midfield and will dictate the game if Blues let him to.
He must not be given time and space to pick a pass as we all know what he is capable of and with Conor Coady and George Saville just in front of him, they could be a real force.
It might be the battle of the midfields with Blues expected to play three in their themselves- David Davis the man likely to come in alongside Stephen Gleeson and Maikel Kieftenbeld.
Blues will also have to be wary of the threat the wingers and Joe Mason up front present. Both Helan and Nathan Byrne are quick so it is another game where the midfield need to support the full backs and double up.
Particularly, Mason will be a danger as he can get in behind and will almost certainly have the beating of Paul Robinson for pace.
He is also clever with his movement in the box and will look to pounce at every opportunity. I don’t think he will give Morrison and Robinson a moments rest all game.
But, luckily for us, we also have someone like that who will work hard for the team. Clayton Donaldson will be crucial for us, chasing lost causes and relieving some pressure by holding the ball up.
When we break we also need to get men forward in support of him so Jacques Maghoma and David Cotterill really need to be on song at both ends of the pitch.
I am expecting a tight, cagey encounter with little space for anyone to work in. Their won’t be much time to dwell on the ball as there will be someone on you in a flash.
Therefore, set pieces could be the way to break down either defence and I am sure that Gary Rowett has been working hard on getting those deliveries pin point.
For me, I think the game could go either way and that’s the beauty of the Championship and a local rival clash.
Let’s just hope that the Blues prevail and pick up an important three points in their quest for a play off position.