It is now starting to feel like déjà vu. After yet another disappointing result against Millwall on Wednesday night, Blues travel to Yorkshire to face Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Saturday afternoon (3pm KO).

What more is there to say after Wednesday night? The performance was slightly better, and the team looked hungry to fight, but the issue was still the same. A silly, individual mistake from San José cost us the first goal, whilst up the other end the Blues attack looked like a blunt sword.

It is now just twelve points from a possible forty-eight over the last sixteen games. There are sixteen games to go. By that token, if history were to repeat, Blues would end up with just forty points, ten points less than the fifty point “survival cut-off” that Championship clubs aim for.

With that in mind, today’s game is the start of sixteen “Cup finals”, with this game having massive ramifications on the relegation battle. A Blues win may well start the fire that is needed to keep Blues up. However, lose and Blues are suddenly three points off safety, with Norwich to play on Tuesday night.

An open letter to Blues players was put on a banner by the training ground this week, with several players taking a photo and posting it to their Instagram Story to let Blues fans know they had seen it.

Sheffield Wednesday’s troubles on and off the pitch this season have been well documented. They are now on their third manager this season after Garry Monk and Tony Pulis both lost their jobs. Pulis lasted a measly ten games in charge, with Neil Thompson now in the hot seat.

The form of The Owls has improved since mid-December, which has seen them only lose three games since then, winning six and drawing once. Although over the last six games, their form has been inconsistent. This has seen them claw back the gap to the teams around them and they are now level on points with Blues.

Last Time Out

Barry Bannan scored the only goal of the game when the sides met at St. Andrew’s in October. This gave Blues their first loss of the season.

YouTube: HIGHLIGHTS | Blues v Sheffield Wednesday

TEAM NEWS

Blues

Zach Jeacock (ankle), Caolan Boyd-Munce (thigh) are both still out. Sam Cosgrove (ankle) is a doubt and Harlee Dean is a doubt after having stitches in his foot after the game against Millwall.

Sheffield Wednesday

Andre Green (Achilles) and Massimo Luongo (thigh) will miss out, whilst Moses Odubajo (hamstring) and Joost van Aken (ankle) are longer term injury concerns for the Owls.

Current Form – Last 6 Games (in all competitions)

Blues – L L L D D L

Owls – L W L W W L

Head-to-Head… Blues wins: 38 Draws: 27 Owls wins: 25

Last four meetings between Blues and The Owls…

Championship 17 Oct 2020 – Blues 0 Sheffield Wednesday 1

Championship 22 Feb 2020 – Blues 3 Sheffield Wednesday 3

Championship 27 Nov 2019 – Sheffield Wednesday 1 Blues 1

Championship 01 Jan 2019 – Sheffield Wednesday 1 Blues 1

OFFICIALS

Referee: Lee Mason

Assistant Referees: Timothy Wood and Wade Smith

Fourth Official: Martin Coy

Focus Prediction

Well, there is nothing more to this – a win for both teams is essential. Both teams absolutely need the three points. However, I think (or rather, hope and pray) that Blues want it more. 1-0 Blues.

What are your predictions for the game? Let Us Know!