Wolves' Leon Clarke wary of Blues backlash

Wolves striker Leon Clarke believes Blues' Bournemouth bashing will make their task tougher tomorrow.

Birmingham come to Molineux on the back of being crushed 8-0 last weekend by the Cherries, who celebrated a West Midlands double by knocking Albion out of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.

Clarke believes Blues will be inspired by new boss Gary Rowett and will be fortified by their record St. Andrew's low.

"Blues have had a bad result so they will come here and want to prove a point to the fans that they're proud to wear the shirt," said the Wolverhampton-born striker.

"We have to match their work-rate and desire and hopefully our quality will see us through and we can get a great result. It's difficult to play them at any time, especially after a heavy defeat, but I think their players will put it to the back of their mind. It's a really big game – it will be really buoyant and really loud.

"I think if confidence is low among some of their players then it will help get their confidence up."

Wolves go into tomorrow's lunchtime televised derby aiming to continue a record that has seen them take more points at home – 16 – than any other club in the second tier.

And after bagging the winner at Leeds last weekend, Clarke wants them to continue that form in front of their own fans.

"The fans have been great this season and long may it continue," he said. "We want to make Molineux a fortress and try to win all our home games.

"It will be a great day for the fans – but it will be even better if we can get the right result."

Clarke's strike saw Wolves go joint=top but third on goal difference below leaders Derby and Watford, knowing even a draw tomorrow will see them top for a couple of hours before the afternoon games finish.

And the 29-year-old believes the Championship will remain wide open this season.

"The way it's going, I can't see anyone running away with it," he added. "It's going to be close all the way to the end of the season.

"I think if we can keep playing well and can stay in the pack, we've got half a chance."