Scout report: Monk v Clotet round two as Sheffield Wednesday take on Birmingham City

Sheffield Wednesday boss Garry Monk will once again face up to Pep Clotet as the Owls visit Birmingham City.
By Rhys Thomas
Published 19th Feb 2020, 11:55 BST
Sheffield Wednesday take on Birmingham CitySheffield Wednesday take on Birmingham City
Sheffield Wednesday take on Birmingham City

Sheffield Wednesday visit in-form Birmingham City on Saturday, but what can we expect from the Blues? Find out below...

How is their season going?

The Blues have enjoyed a fairly decent season under Pep Clotet, who was handed the tricky task of moving to a more expansive style of play after the departure of a certain Garry Monk.

Jude Bellingham has been a revelation at St Andrew'sJude Bellingham has been a revelation at St Andrew's
Jude Bellingham has been a revelation at St Andrew's
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The Spaniard has steered the side clear of the relegation battle, and the emergence of teenage talent Jude Bellingham has been a breath of fresh air at St Andrew’s.

In all likelihood Birmingham will remain in The Championship next season, yet on the whole, the club is making progress.

How is their recent form?

Last five: D, W, W, W, D

Worryingly for Sheffield Wednesday fans, Birmingham City’s recent form is very good. The Blues are unbeaten in seven Championship games, including an impressive win over Nottingham Forest at St Andrew’s.

Their home patch is becoming a fortress, and is perhaps the last place the Owls want to visit given their recent form. Wednesday will have to be at their very best to get back to winning ways.

Dangerman?

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Aforementioned talent Bellingham only completed his GCSEs last summer, yet he is reportedly already the subject of £30m+ interest from the likes of Manchester United. Skillful, quick and blessed with an eye for goal, Wednesday will have to keep the youngster quiet if they are to stand any chance.

Their manager?

Clotet was formerly Monk’s right hand man at St Andrew’s, yet their last meeting in November laid bare how badly the relationship has broken down.

Monk blasted Clotet in his pre-match press conference, saying that ‘"some choose to pursue their own opportunities in the worst possible way". He also refused to shake Clotet’s hand prior to kick-off. It’s safe to say there is no love lost between the pair.

Odds?

Birmingham win: 6/5, Draw: 9/4, Wednesday win: 12/5

Perhaps unsurprisingly given the respective form of each team, Birmingham are strong favourites to take all three points here.

Related topics:The BluesBirmingham CityJude BellinghamBirmingham

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