Out of Darkness....

Anyone remember the last time we were easily beaten three nil, away to a long ball team?

We then went into the game without key players, looking in serious trouble...

We faced Birmingham. Mick put faith in Ward and Ebanks-Blake up front, and we bulldozed our way past the Blues. Well, could it be about to happen again?

I don't think it can get much worse than the defeat on Tuesday. We didn't look like we had the fight and that was what worried me most. In times like these, our team have always seemed to fight their way out.


The only person you can guarantee starting tomorrow is Hennessey, the only player who came out of that game with any credit. But what will Mick go with?

Fans favourites Ward, Edwards and Hunt celebrate

Even with our lack of striking options, I can see Mick going with 4-4-2 in an attempt to push us forward. Usually this worries me, but against a team like Birmingham I think you can afford to do it. Birmingham aren't a team blessed with pace on the break. Alex McCleish is known for adopting negative tactics, if we press them back we can do so without having to worry so much.

I can see Mick ringing in the changes. In the defence, Christophe Berra has been nowhere near his usual solid self recently. I can see Stearman moving back inside, and Kevin Foley being restored to right back. Michael Mancienne played most of the game at left back on Tuesday, which could see Stephen Ward partner Fletcher up front (if he's fit). Jamie O'Hara and Matthew Jarvis both look like they need breaks, while Stephen Hunt looks ready to come into the team.

This is my vague idea of what could be going on inside Mick's head:

Hennessey

Foley
Craddock
Stearman
Mancienne

Kightly/Jarvis
Henry
Milijas/O'Hara
Hunt

Fletcher
Ward

I'm a big fan of 4-5-1, and think it represents our best chance of staying up but I think that type of team could get a positive result at St. Andrew's on Sunday. 

I'm sure there are plenty who disagree!