Luke Turner previews tonight’s game against Wigan…
Blues are in action again this evening as they face last seasons League One champions Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.
Both sides enjoyed their first wins of the season on Saturday and will be in high spirits ahead of tonight’s clash.
Gary Rowett has a decision to make in regard to what team he plays and if he thinks it needs a bit of freshening up with this current Saturday-Tuesday schedule.
We could possibly see a debut for either Che Adams or Greg Stewart but then it’s a case of ‘why change a winning team`.
I feel pretty confident going into this game and feel that it would do no harm to switch formations up a bit.
Losing that extra midfielder and bringing someone like Diego Fabbrini back into the team would give Blues a much more attacking look which I believe would work against The Latics.
The game could open up a lot more which would see gaps arise for our attackers to exploit on the counter attack.
The worry I would have with changing the three in midfield is that Wigan are likely to play three themselves with David Perkins, Max Power and Nick Powell.
These are all three excellent footballers and can cause Blues a lot of problems. In particular, Perkins has a great left foot with the ability to travel with the ball.
Blues may have to match that but I do think that there will be space in behind their midfield to run into and take advantage of.
This is where Blues will have to be at their best and take their chances in front of goal. Another impressive performance from Jacques Maghoma could see us really cause their defence some problems.
If we can’t get going in the forward third of the pitch then we have some really good options on the bench with Adams, Stewart and Jack Storer all possibilities.
I’m not expecting a thrilling encounter but I think that Blues could be in with a real chance if we really attack the Wigan defence.
Defending from the front could be key. If we pick the pockets of the Wigan players then they will certainly be there for the taking.
I can’t really end this article without mentioning Will Grigg. He’s Wigan`s man to go to for goals and will only need a sniff before punishing our defence.
If we can keep him quiet and then look after our own business, then I think Blues could be in for a good night at the DW Stadium.