Steve Bull and Trevor Francis preview Birmingham City v Wolves in the FA Cup

Jan 3 2009 by Robert Tanner, Birmingham Mail

WHO has the stronger squad?

TF: I think Birmingham have the strongest squad in the division. At the start of the season I drew parallels with the West Brom squad of last season.

I would have been very surprised if they had not been promoted last season and I feel the same about Blues.

For that reason they should also have a good cup run.

SB: When Mick came in he said he wasn’t a magician and to give him three years to get a side together and he has started to get it right.

As a former player and supporter, I have been waiting for the bubble to burst but it hasn’t. They have a decent squad although they may need to add to it during January to go for that final push. They won’t be far away.

TF: The two boys Iwelumo and Ebanks-Blake have a very healthy return.

Any side relies on good goalscorers and Wolves have certainly got that. That is why they are a big threat in this tie.

WHERE is the game going to be won and lost?

SB: The strikers are going to be key for Wolves and, in defence, Michael Mancienne will be a key man. He is fast and reads the ball well but it depends who Blues put against him because they caused a lot of problems in the first half of the league game.

TF: To control a game you must control the midfield, and I think that was the key in the league match.

Lee Carsley and Nigel Quashie dominated the midfield. Larsson will give them even greater strength in midfield.

That is the key area for me and if Blues perform there like they did in the first game then it is going to be difficult for Wolves.

SB: It is going to be a clash of the titans and no one is going to be hanging back at all. It wouldn’t surprise me if it is 3-3 or 4-3.