Birmingham take on Derby desperate for a victory to lift themselves away from the relegation zone
Both teams in poor form
It looks likely St Andrews will play host to a nervy match on Saturday as Birmingham take on Derby desperate for a victory to lift themselves away from the relegation zone.
They will be hoping for a repeat performance of the last time the teams met, when Cameron Jerome netted twice in the 2-1 win at Pride Park back in August.
But the Blues go into this game on a dreadful run of form - winless in six since their 3-0 triumph against Middlesbrough at St Andrews on Boxing Day.
This run has included an embarrassing FA Cup exit to League One side Huddersfield, as well as Tuesday's 2-0 loss to fellow relegation strugglers Sunderland, where they offered little threat and gifted both goals to the Black Cats.
This poor run means that the Blues have plummeted to 17th in the Premier League, with only goal difference keeping them out of the bottom three.
Alex McLeish looks set to persevere with £5million signing James McFadden, although the Scottish hit-man made little impact against the Black Cats.
He may also give a start to Mauro Zarate after the Argentinean striker did well when he came off the bench on Tuesday.
In defence, left-back David Murphy could win a debut after his £1.5 million switch from Hibernian.
Derby woes
While the Blues are on a poor run of form, opponents Derby's is even worse in what is turning out to be an increasingly bleak season for the rock-bottom Rams.
Their two wins this term have come via an FA Cup penalty shoot-out win over Sheffield Wednesday last month and defeating Newcastle 1-0 in the league back in September.
Since the shoot-out win, the Rams have gone out of the Cup - a 4-1 home loss to Championship strugglers Preston - although Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Man City in the league will have salvaged some pride.
New signing Alan Stubbs is in contention for the game, with the veteran defender sure to add experience and steel to a back-line which has leaked goals all season.
And goalkeeper Roy Carroll, who signed from Rangers, is also in contention for the game.
