Organisation is the key for Zola

Gianfranco Zola has hinted that Blues will try to defend their way to victory against Derby County today.

In his press conference, the Italian claimed that, if Blues can score the opening goal, the result will be dictated by how resolute they are defensively.

While Zola isn’t known for his negative tactics, he’s beginning to grasp the strengths of the playing squad he inherited. In recent games, creative players, such as Kerim Frie and Che Adams, have been left stewing on the bench. And although Zola is set to make a few changes from the side defeated at Brighton in midweek, they won’t be wholesale and will be designed for their organisation rather than attacking prowess.

Adams, who started and scored Blues’ goal at the Amex, could be in line for a start once again either in behind or alongside Lukas Jutkiewicz. It’s likely that Clayton Donaldson will have to settle for a place on the bench with the aforementioned Frei.

Indeed, if Adams does start, that would see Craig Gardner drop back in to a more orthodox central position rather than  his recently adopted number ten role.

Zola will also have to decide whether to bring Paul Robinson back in and push Jonathan Grounds back out to left wing back. If that happens, Chieck Keita will be among the substitutes.