The Hosts – Wolves

Here it is, the Birmingham Black Country derby. After the shambolic performance at Blackburn on Tuesday night, this game is massive for Blues` play-off hopes – and a better performance is needed.

CURRENT FORM

Inconsistency has been the story for Wolves this season. Kenny Jackett`s men recently came through a seven game winless streak with two win from their last three. Win against Bristol City and Derby County sandwich a defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough.

Wolves have conceded 50 goals, 16 more than Blues but have scored 45 which is five more than Blues.

Blues have failed to score in their last four away trips which comprise of two goalless draws and two 2-0 defeats. Currently, Blues are 9th in the table, two points behind the play-offs with a game in hand. Wolves sit in 12th place, eight points behind their Midlands rivals.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM WOLVES

The derby atmosphere at the Custard Bowl is always a hostile one. But you get the impression that all is not well at Wolves and if Blues can score first, the fans may turn on Jackett and the owners as they have done on numerous occasions this season.

As stated above, Wolves have a habit of shipping goals but will come up against a Blues side who have lacked in the final third of late.

Losing Benik Afobe to Bournemouth was a massive blow but James Henry has chipped in with an impressive seven goals from midfield. Blues will have their work cut out keeping Henry quiet, he also has five assists.

WHERE IS THE NET??

Blues have struggled in front of goal lately scoring only three goals in their last seven outings – none in four on road. While the players deserve massive credit for overachieving this season regardless of the outcome in May, there is a sense that they`re running out of steam at the worst possible time.

Gary Rowett hinted at ‘one or two tweaks` to either the personnel or the system, but with only one fit senior striker, his options are limited. David Davis could be introduced back into the starting elven to give Blues a competitive edge that was missing at Blackburn. But the real worry is the lack of quality in the final third.

THOUGHTS FROM VITAL WOLVES

A late Bristol City equaliser looked to have denied Wolves a much-needed home win, which still came in a two-one victory thanks to Matt Doherty’s injury-time win. He doesn’t get many, in fact he’s only got two, but both have proven to be match winners for Wolves this season.

This one had seen Bristol City boss Lee Johnson accuse us of ‘unsporting behaviour’ leading up to the winner….Hey ho when it’s for you you’ll not complain! Article from wolves.vitalfootball.co.uk

THE FANS VIEWS

@bislettfootball – do you think the club has over-estimated how good some of our young players are? Iorfa’s gone backwards, not 50% of 2015 form

@MrRyanLeister – Changing to a narrow set up at the start of season hurt/exposed both SG/DI plus #wwfc lost 2years of momentum. Frustrating.

@BCFC_Olly_KRO – Toral and Fabbrini to start against Wolves please #bcfc

@FinlayW13 – @birminghammail remember when the paper made a big deal about the owners at the blues?? No?, me neither. #kro #bcfc #sotv

Article written by Rob Wildey – @robwildey123