Pep Clotet’s men take a visit to London to play Gary Rowett’s Millwall tomorrow at the den. Millwall still have an outside chance of scraping the play offs this season, sitting 7 points behind 6th place Preston. Blues have been on an incredible run of form recently, picking up points from some of the top sides in the league.


Form

The hosts come into the game on a poor run of form, winning one of their last six matches, their most recent result being a 1-0 defeat away at Wigan. Before this, the Lions had been on a rapid rise under the former Blues boss Rowett, which at one point saw them occupying a spot in the play offs. One thing that Pep Clotet’s side need to be worried about is Millwall’s home record, they have lost just 3 home games all season.

However, Blues should fear absolutely no one in the current form that they’re in, unbeaten in 8 in the league and 11 in all competitions, Pep may have finally found his best XI in its current format. Scott Hogan has four in his first five as a Bluenose and Lukas Jutkiewicz has rekindled his form from last season, making a dangerous partnership for any opposition.


Our Opponents

As mentioned, Gary Rowett has set up a side that grind results at home on a regular basis, similarly to how he set up at St Andrews. He has integrated a robust, long ball style, with loan striker Tom Bradshaw running through the channels to chase the long through balls.

Obviously, there is no focus on our opponents without mentioning Jed Wallace, the wide man was tipped with a move away in January but decided to stay with Rowett’s men. He has recorded 10 goals and 9 assists this season, the fourth most assists in the Championship this season.


Pep’s Thoughts

Birmingham manager Pep Clotet sat before the media today for his pre-match press conference. When discussing why his side’s away form has been so impressive in recent games, he said: 

I am quite happy with our track record away from home. And that support we keep having on the away trips has always been there for us and is a big help.

Pep was also praised by Gary Rowett in his press conference, and was more than complimentary in return for the Millwall gaffer, saying: 

All those complimentary words could be applied to Gary as well because I think that Millwall have really got a new stamp in the system he uses and I know how difficult that is to get quickly.

Pep may have been referring to his attempt to change Blues’ style of play at the start of this season, attempting to start what many fans called ‘Dong Ball’.

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Starting XI

The Blues starting lineup will all depend on whether centre back Jake Clarke-Salter will be fit for the match. The defender picked up a slight knee injury in the 3-3 draw to Sheffield Wednesday, and Pep was cagey on whether he’d keep the defender in for Wednesday nights clash.

My Prediction (4-4-2): Camp; Colin, Roberts, Dean, Pedersen; Bela, Gardner, Sunjic, Bellingham; Hogan, Jutkiewicz.

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