Birmingham vs Wolves Preview

Team News

After weeks where the team virtually picked itself due to amount of absenties, Alex Mcleish finally has some decisions to make.  Parnaby and Agustien are the only players definitely out although McFadden will probably only make the bench after having been out for two months.  Who is picked in midfeld and upfront is open to debate but I would be surprised if the side is much different to the one that started against Norwich.

Wolves will be missing Michael Kightly who has been a very important player this season but that is partly balanced by the return of another winger Matt Jarvis.  They could also give a debut to Marlon Harewood on loan from Aston Villa.  A Villa player coming into a crucial game at St Andrews, omens are not good on that one.

Last Meeting

Blues and Wolves played out a 1-1 draw in November in one of our better performances of the season.  Blues were better in the first half but had to wait until just after half time for Cameron Jerome to  put us ahead.  Ebanks-Blake equalised and Blues had to hang on a bit in the last few minutes.

Recent Form

It’s the battle of the top two but both sides owe their positions in the table due to the tremendous form in the first half of the season.  Since Christmas form has been patchy although in recent weeks we have both started to get the victories again.  Wolves have gained thirteen points from ther last six games and Blues eleven.

Of course form often goes out of the window for these big local derbies.

Outlook

Well, it’s the big one that we’ve all been waiting for although any game between local rivals means a lot.  Wolves will head into this game believing a win will see them putting one hand on the Championship trophy as it will give them an eight point lead over us and put them eleven points clear of third.  For us it is crucial that we win to maintain the gap between ourselves and the chasing pack.  A defeat coupled with Sheffield United winning their game in hand in midweek will see us drop to third or possibly even fourth if Reading win on Good Friday.  Needless to say that a win is required to keep our title aspirations alive.  I expect Wolves to be very happy with a draw so it will be up to us to go at them.  We have to win at leat four of our last six to secure promotion and this would be a great place to start.

Now is the time for the players to show if they really want it.  The time to stand up and be counted and the time to really get behind the team.  Games don’t get bigger than this.

C’mon you Blue Boys!!!