Pep talks up the value of Stoke clash for club
BLUES will find out just how far they have come this season when they meet Stoke City on Saturday.
That’s the view of assistant manager Pep Clotet, who feels the game will act as a yardstick for in-form Blues.
“It’s a fantastic match to be able to prove we are coming back,” said Clotet, who has helped to guide Blues to an eight-match unbeaten run.
“Yes, it’s very tough, but we’re really looking forward because the team looks very well, from our point of view.
“It was difficult for us to lose games. But we’ve been very consistent and now, slowly, we are getting a few wins that we needed.”
Stoke, led by former Blues manager Gary Rowett, were the bookmakers’ favourites to win the Championship before the season having spent big on summer signings.
Yet Rowett’s side have flattered to deceive in their quest to bounce back to the top flight at the first attempt.
The Potters are only two points and three places better off than Blues ahead of their clash at the Bet365 Stadium.
Blues forward Lukas Jutkiewicz faces Stoke in the form of his life. The Southampton-born striker hit his first hat-trick in the 3-1 win over Rotherham last time out.
Jutkiewicz now has five goals in his last three games and six for the season, making him one of the hottest hitmen in the Championship.
The 29-year-old is also one of the most popular members of the Blues squad.
His treble was enthusiastically toasted by all the players in the dressing room after the match.
“I was buzzing for Jukey because he’s such a great guy on and off the pitch,” said team-mate Maikel Kieftenbeld.
“He works so hard, whether he’s scoring or not. I see it every day and it’s a great thing to be part of.”
Striker Nicolai Brock-Madsen has returned to Blues after failing to make an impression on loan at St Mirren.
The 25-year-old joined the Scottish Premiership club on a six-month loan with an option to stay until May.
But Brock-Madsen is now back with his parent club after just five games without a goal for Saints.