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Opinion: What to look out for Vs. Sheff Wed

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Luke Turner discusses potential openings and threats for Blues v The Owls…

Blues host play off rivals Sheffield Wednesday at St Andrews on Saturday afternoon in what is a huge match for both sides.

A win for either team will be massive as both teams currently sit on 47 points and a three point lead will give the winners an extra boost in their promotion push.

It was Wednesday who won the reverse fixture on Boxing Day by an emphatic 3-0 score line. Fernando Forestieri scored twice on that occasion and I expect him to be a threat once again.

The former Italy U21 international could prove to be a menace down the left wing up against Paul Caddis so the Scot will have to be up for the task.

He will also provide a goal threat with 11 already to his name so far this season as well as three assists.

The Owls also have a further array of attacking talent to choose from. The likes of Gary Hooper, Ross Wallace and recently signed Aiden McGeady to name a few.

A potential danger could prove to arrive from target man Atdhe Nuhiu who is strong both in bringing the ball down and bringing others into play.

I think the Blues defence will be well prepared to deal with Nuhiu having confidently dealt with Daryl Murphy and Jonathan Kodjia in the past couple of weeks.

Wednesday also have two very good central midfielders in Barry Bannan and Kieran Lee. However, the fact that they play two up front could play into Blues` hands.

Blues only play one up front which gives opportunity for Stephen Gleeson to sit and protect the back four most of the time. This isn`t so much the case for Sheffield Wednesday.

I think there will be a lot of space in behind the midfield for our attackers to exploit. I am unsure as to whether or not Jon Toral will be fit but, as we all know, we have a ready made replacement in Diego Fabbrini.

He has the ability to roam in between defence and midfield, pick up free space and take advantage of it.

It is crucial that we get either him or Toral on the ball and let them work their magic. Clayton Donaldson will also need support to go with his tireless effort he always provides week in week out.

Wednesday have a decent defensive record and haven’t lost in five matches. However, I feel like their defence could be there for the taking, but only if Blues perform like they have done in previous weeks.

I predict a strong midfield battle between Gleeson, Kieftenbeld, Bannan and Lee as all four of those players are energetic, hard working and not short of quality on the ball.

So I think if either side is to win, then a big factor in this will be the winning of the midfield battle.

Let’s just hope that Gleeson and Kieftenbeld out do their opponents and trigger another important three points for Rowett`s men.

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