'It needs to be rocking' - Pep Clotet's message to Birmingham City fans ahead of Sheffield Wednesday clash

The Blues maybe on the same number of points as Garry Monk’s side but their season has been on an upward curve since losing to Wigan Athletic on New Year’s Day – their last defeat in all competitions.

Wednesday’s campaign, however, has headed in the opposite direction since they reached the heady heights of third place going into the Christmas break.

But despite the two sides’ contrasting fortunes, Clotet says his players must not be complacent and wants the St Andrews faithful to play its part in continuing Wednesday’s dismal run.

“It doesn’t matter the run they are, when the game starts it’s 10 v 10 plus the two ‘keepers,” said Clotet, whose side have picked up seven points against promotion-chasing Brentford, Bristol City and Nottingham Forest this month.

“It’s always a difficult game.“It’s about us recognising what are the strengths of those teams and what their weaknesses are, they don’t have many.“We have prepared very well in the week to cope with their strengths and weaknesses but at the end of the day it’s what happens on the pitch.

“It’s going to be critical what every one of our fans (does).“If we are united like we were against Brentford, we are very, very strong.

“There will be difficult moments in games and our fans will make the difference.“It needs to be a rocking place on Saturday. Work together and very hard to make sure the three points stay at home.”

Wednesday will go into the game having recorded just one league win in 10 games.