Luke Turner discusses where Blues could win or lose against Forest…
Blues return to league action on Tuesday evening following their 2-1 defeat in the FA Cup on Saturday to Bournemouth.
Gary Rowett`s team played extremely well against the Premier League side and had enough chances to win the game and probably should’ve.
They will be hoping to return quickly to winning ways when the face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this evening.
Here’s where I think the game could be won or lost for Blues…
On loan Forest midfielder
Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman signed Cape Verde international Ryan Mendes on loan from Lille in September and has impressed to date.
The winger has two goals and five assists to his name so far this season and Blues should be wary of the threat he can cause.
A small but nippy player, Mendes likes to attack but can also do the dirty work of defending as well.
He can either play on the wing or through the middle so I expect him to be popping up in all sorts of positions and drifting in and out.
Blues need to be prepared for this and have a plan in place for how to mark him off the ball. Likewise, his fellow wingman, Jamie Ward also likes to roam so the space between Blues` defence and midfield needs to be covered.
Mendes is very tricky and has good pace so the fullbacks need to be clever with him and not get too tight.
At times it might be wise to double up on him so he doesn’t get a straight one on one at our defenders.
Stay tight and compact?
In the early stages of the season, Blues could boast the best away record in the league. However we haven’t won away from home since demolishing Fulham at Craven Cottage over two months ago.
Having said that, three of our last four away trips have been against Brighton, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday, all teams fighting for promotion.
But, still, Blues need to get their away form back on track ahead of a pivotal next few fixtures which include games against Derby and Ipswich.
We need to pick up some points to ensure we don’t fall behind or, indeed, get caught up by the likes of Forest.
Getting back to what we do best should be the priority. Stay tight at the back and then use our pace on the attack to punish Forest.
I anticipate the return of our normal back four of Caddis, Morrison, Spector (or Robinson) and Grounds which should help add some solidity.
Maybe Rowett should even go with three in midfield to help nullify the threat of flair players such as Mendes and Ward.
But, we need to be patient and also use the ball well. With the form that Maghoma is in and Viv Solomon increasing in confidence game by game, Blues should be well set up to cause Forest some problems.
Key player for Blues?
I think that Dutchman Maikel Kieftenbeld will be key for Blues in this fixture. His ability to read the game and intercept at crucial times will be huge for Blues if we are to win the game.
He can also cover ground and track runners from midfield which will help massively with the mentioned Forest players having a reputation of moving in field.
Blues fans, do you agree with the points discussed? Will Blues return to winning ways at the City Ground? Comment below!