Birmingham City: The pressure is on Wolves, says Chris Hughton

Chris Hughton

CHRIS Hughton has vowed Blues will give it their best shot in the FA Cup at Molineux tonight – and all the pressure is on Wolves.

Hughton admitted he would change his line-up, but still wanted to triumph in the third-round replay.

The initial meeting at St Andrew’s was a drab 0-0 draw but Hughton predicted tonight’s affair would be far more lively.

“I will use the squad as I have done,” said the manager. “But certainly we will compete.

“It’s a game we want to win. It’s a cup competition we’re delighted to be in.

“We felt we did well enough in the home game, but not enough to win it outright. We probably didn’t force the issue enough in the final third.

“We have another chance, away from home. There is certainly more pressure on Wolves to win the game. But we will give a good account of ourselves.

“It was a bit stagnant at times,” added Hughton, considering the January 7 stalemate again.

“Mick McCarthy felt it was a fairly dour and flat affair.

“I am sure tonight will have more about it, and be more open.

“Generally in a replay, particularly when the first one wasn’t a classic, and it’s an evening game, at Wolves, you expect it to be more open, with some goals in it. I think both teams will go for it a little bit more.”

Hughton has called up 18-year-old Eddy Gnahore to the squad. The French midfielder has been given a squad number and is likely to be competing for a spot on the substitutes’ bench.

Gnahore, playing off the front, was superb for Blues reserves yesterday as they won 2-1 at Southampton.

He scored the equaliser with a 25-yarder that flew into the top corner.

Colin Doyle will keep goal again and Jack Butland will be his back-up at Molineux.

Enric Valles has also been included in the travelling party.

Hughton went with a 4-5-1 formation against Wolves previously and is set to do the same again, which would probably see Adam Rooney starting and Wade Elliott and Nathan Redmond involved from the off.

Share