In what is shaping up to be a vitally important West Midlands derby, Paul Lambert's Wolves side will be hoping his side can secure a victory over Birmingham City.

With Birmingham City currently in 16th place and Wolves in 19th place in the Championship, both clubs desperately need a victory for differing reasons.

Despite having a foray of talent, Wolves are currently just three places and five points ahead of the relegation zone, a defeat could see them dragged further into the relegation dogfight.

Birmingham City, on the other hand, are in terrible form having picked up only six points from an available thirty six, a defeat could continue to see them in free-fall.

It has been a tale of differing fortune since both sides changed their manager, under Paul Lambert, Wolves has looked stable after Walter Zenga's short tenure at the club.

Whereas Birmingham City has struggled since the arrival of Gianfranco Zola with a number of Birmingham City fans questioning the decision to replace Gary Rowett in the first place.

After a comprehensive victory for Wolves in the reverse fixture, Paul Lambert will be hoping his side can replicate a similar performance, potentially with the substitutes made making the difference.

FLW writer Elliott Wheat-Bowen looks at two players who Paul Lambert must utilise as impact substitutes to ensure the win over Birmingham City.

 

Bright Enobakhare

With Nouha Dicko still recovering from a hamstring injury, Paul Lambert is limited with the attacking options to bring off the bench.

As it is likely that Jón Daði Böðvarsson will start for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Paul Lambert may look to bring on another attacking option if the game is tight in the second half.

Bright Enobakhare who came through Wolves' academy has been used on an increasingly frequent basis by Pul Lambert.

Enobakhare's athleticism and speed on the counter-attack could be the difference against a tiring Birmingham City defence

Paul Lambert may opt to bring on the 18-year-old striker as an impact substitute to ensure the win over Birmingham City.

Romain Saiss

After making the switch from Ligue 1 side Angers to Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 26-year-old midfielder has played a minor role so far this season for Wolves.

Having only made only twelve appearances for Wolves in the Skybet Championship this season, Saiss will have been hoping to have featured more regularly.

Although Saiss hasn't featured recently in Wolves' Skybet Championship squads, Saiss' cameo role in the FA Cup tie against Chelsea suggests that Paul Lambert is willing to use the Moroccan international on a more regular basis.

In what is expected to be a tight and physical battle, the Moroccan defensive midfielder may get the opportunity that he has been looking.

If Paul Lambert looks to bring Saiss off the bench, he could be the impact sub to make the difference in a tight encounter by further shoring up Wolves defence.