Opinion: Where Blues could win or lose Vs. Sheff Wednesday

First up for Blues in a busy few days during the festive period is a Boxing Day trip to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday.

I am going discuss where the game can be won and lost for Blues against Carlos Carvalhal’s Owls.

The returning injured duo?

Blues could be boosted by the return of recent absentees Clayton Donaldson and David Cotterill.

Their long awaited comeback will breathe a huge sigh of relief to Blues fans as the two are crucial in bringing both goals and assists to the team.

Our style of play is pretty much built around Donaldson of whom we have missed very much in the six weeks he has been sidelined for.

The team have picked up just five points from a possible 18 in the time Donaldson has missed which shows just how much a part to play the striker has in the side.

Similarly with Cotterill, his absence leads to more depletion of goals and assists. He may not be everyone’s cup of tea and his performances do lead to frustration amongst Blues fans.

However, what Cotterill does is win you games! He has more goals and assists than Demarai Gray all season, and seeing as though he’s been sideline for most of this season, that is quite impressive.

If the two return against Sheffield Wednesday, it will give Rowett`s men a huge lift and hopefully the two integrate back in without any niggling problems.

Donaldson is perhaps the missing link in the side, so hopefully with his comeback, the team can get back to doing what they do best and pick up a run of form.

A man Blues know all too well?

Sheffield Wednesday currently occupy seventh spot, ahead of Blues on goal difference. The man key to their success so far this season is £3 million summer signing from Watford, Fernando Forestieri.

Blues fans will remember his equaliser for Watford in Rowett`s first home match as manager last November.

With eight goals and three assists to his name, the former Italy U21 international is well on his way to proving his worth to the Owls.

A small but strong figure, Forestieri has excellent dribbling ability so the Blues rearguard have to be alert in stopping this and limiting the space he has.

As Blues fans will know, he often plays for free kicks so it is important that we stand him up and don’t dive in.

Having scored two goals in their last victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Forestieri is a man high on confidence and players like him will be enough to win a very tight game.

If Blues realise his threat early on and nullify it, then Forestieri could become a frustrated figure from which Rowett`s men will have a big chance in taking all three points.

Key man for Blues?

Michael Morrison has been a rock at the back in recent games for Blues and I expect him to lead by example once again.

Both him and Jonathan Spector look to have formed a strong partnership at the heart of the Blues defence and if we are to take points from the game then they need to be on top form.

Wednesday play with two strikers and at least one of the two will be a big man to partner Forestieri. Whether it be Lucas João or Atdhe Nuhiu.

Morrison, in particular, will be crucial to Blues in communicating and organising his side. A solid back line is important to any team and those foundations give opportunity to strike on the attack.

I anticipate a tight encounter with Blues likely to ride their luck on a couple of occasions. However, don’t back against Rowett`s men.

Unbeaten in three and bolstered by the return of Donaldson, Cotterill, Grounds and Robinson. Three points will be the perfect Christmas gift. Come on the Blues!

Blues fans, do you agree with where the game could be won and lost for us? Do you think the highly anticipated return of Donaldson and Cotterill will spur the team on? Let us know in the comment section down below!