Newcastle look to relieve the pressure further on boss Sam Allardyce as they host Birmingham at St James' Park.
Toon hope to build on Arsenal point , while Blues look to preserve McLeish's 100 per cent record
Newcastle United are without a win in six, but boss Sam Allardyce will hope Wednesday's hard-fought 1-1 draw with in-form Arsenal was the start of a revival for the Magpies, who turn their attentions to Birmingham City on Saturday.
Steven Taylor's scrambled equaliser against the Gunners eased some pressure on under-fire Allardyce, who is expected to continue with Alan Smith, and Obafemi Martins in attack against the Blues.
But Allardyce is unlikely to have any of his recent injury victims back to face Alex McLeish's side, as Newcastle face their second home fixture in four days.
Abdoulaye Faye (calf), Stephen Carr (hamstring) and Claudio Cacapa (knee) are still recovering, while Michael Owen continues his rehabilitation from a thigh problem and Damien Duff continues his comeback from a foot injury in the reserves.
Birmingham lie just one place below Newcastle in the Premier League table, and will be keen to preserve new boss McLeish's 100 per cent record.
The former Scotland manager has no new major injury problems after his side's last-gasp 3-2 victory against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
Gary McSheffrey suffered a minor hip injury against Portsmouth a fortnight ago but should partner Cameron Jerome up front, while Garry O'Connor confirmed his fitness after a recent groin problem by playing 90 minutes for the reserves.
Skipper Damien Johnson has played two full reserve games after his long-term hamstring setbacks, but the Northern Ireland international is unlikely to be involved.
Birmingham have only won one of their four Premier League matches at St James' Park, but thrashed the Magpies 5-1 in an FA Cup third round replay last season, when the Tyneside club were in complete disarray.
