Luke Turner takes a look at what could be the difference in winning or losing against Bournemouth…
This weekend Gary Rowett`s side take on Premier League new boys Bournemouth at St Andrews in the FA Cup third round.
Here`s where I think Blues could win or lose the game against Eddie Howe`s Cherries?
Pack out the midfield?
Bournemouth are a very attacking team and all of their players have the ability to pick passes and find space. Blues will have a good chance of limiting this if they play three in midfield.
I would suggest playing David Davis alongside Stephen Gleeson and Maikel Kieftenbeld. This would then allow Gleeson to sit and protect the back four whilst Davis and Kieftenbeld track runners and do all the leg work.
The only problem with this is that it takes out an attacking option like Jon Toral. Someone of his quality could unlock the Bournemouth rear-guard.
However, for the first half at least, I would keep it tight and then look for the attacking players such as Toral or Shinnie to come on and change the game.
Dangerous wide men?
Whoever plays at full back for Blues on Saturday could be in for a tough afternoon if Bournemouth`s wingers are up for the test.
With players like Junior Stanislas, Josh King, Matt Ritchie and Marc Pugh all possessing great quality, pace and skill on the ball, that alone could be enough to win the game for the Cherries.
That extra bit of Premier League quality that Bournemouth now have is the difference in having a finishing touch to a move as opposed to struggling to finish teams off.
With star striker Callum Wilson still injured for Howe`s men, the importance of their wide players is now a lot more significant and Blues need to notice this and double up at every opportunity.
Grit, determination and confidence?
I won`t mention too much about the last time Bournemouth visited St Andrews but it is now a very distant memory.
Since Rowett arrived at Blues, the team have adopted a completely different mentality about them in comparison to that dark day in October 2014.
We aren`t a team that rolls over when we go a goal down. We are now, as a squad, highly confident and determined that we can win every game we go into.
Some of the players that played in the horrific defeat 15 months ago will perhaps have that added incentive to ‘get their own back` if you like.
Key player for Blues?
If Blues are to stop Bournemouth creating chances then I think that David Davis will be the key to this.
He hasn`t been a regular in the league this season due to the midfield partnership of Gleeson and Kieftenbeld but I believe that the energy and strength of Davis will be crucial.
His ability to intercept passes and cover ground could prove the difference if Blues are to go on and win the game.
Blues fans, do you agree with the points made above? Where do you think the game could be won or lost for Blues? Comment below!