Birmingham v Southampton preview

Birmingham will be hoping to hang onto their lofty perch when they face Southampton on Saturday.

Blues looking to stop Saints' resurgence

Birmingham will be hoping to hang onto their lofty perch when they face Southampton on Saturday. The Blues currently occupy second spot in the Championship table but sit just two points clear of Reading, who have two games in hand. Southampton are more concerned with events at the opposite end of the table, with three consecutive victories moving them to within two points of safety.

Birmingham team news

Radhi Jaidi has emerged as a slight doubt for Birmingham, adding to Alex McLeish's mounting injury concerns. The centre-back suffered a thigh strain during Wednesday's crucial 1-0 win over promotion rivals Bristol City and is in a race against time to make it against the Saints, as is full-back David Murphy (thigh). Elsewhere, McLeish does not expect any of his other injured players to return in time, with Garry O'Connor still lacking the match practice needed to be included in the matchday 16 despite returning from a groin injury. Fellow striker Kevin Phillips is making good progress with his hamstring problem but will not be ready for this weekend. Forward James McFadden (knee), defenders Liam Ridgewell (thigh), Djimi Traore (hamstring) and Stuart Parnaby (thigh) and midfielder Kemy Agustien (groin) also remain on the sidelines. New signing Ulises de la Cruz is still waiting to make his debut having been an unused substitute against the Robins, while Robin Shroot has joined neighbours Walsall on loan and so will not be available.

Southampton team news

Lee Holmes will miss out again when Southampton travel to St Andrews. The winger is back in training after a month on the sidelines with a knee injury but will make his comeback for the reserves next week. Midfielder Adam Lallana was not risked against Ipswich on Tuesday night after picking up a knock against Cardiff at the weekend and will be checked over. Morgan Schneiderlin replaced Lallana at Portman Road and boss Mark Wotte could opt to name an unchanged side after their 3-0 win. Jason Euell will keep his place up front after his brace against Ipswich. Kayne McLaggon, Michael Svensson (both Achilles), Anthony Pulis (foot), Wayne Thomas (knee) and Jamie White (ankle) remain long-term absentees.