Preview: Birmingham City vs. Barnsley

Rockbottom Barnsley begin the New Year on Wednesday with a trip to Birmingham City, who haven't lost for nine games in the Championship.

Barnsley were cast five points adrift at the bottom of the table after falling to high-flying Derby County on Sunday, with Danny Wilson still in search of his first victory since becoming Tykes manager for a second time in his career.

Wilson will still be without striker Marcus Tudgay as he serves the last of his three-game suspension. Tomasz Cywka is pushing for a start after his memorable goal against Derby and could come into the five-man midfield.

Birmingham manager Lee Clark saw his side score three goals in the first half at Blackburn Rovers at the weekend before almost surrendering three points in the closing stages.

The Blues held on for a 3-2 win and changes from Clark are unlikely, with Jesse Lingard still absent because of suspension.

Tom Adeyemi is carrying a slight knock and could be replaced by Callum Reilly if he isn't deemed fit enough to play.

The reverse fixture at the end of November finished in a comfortable victory for Birmingham as they eased to a 3-0 victory - a result that saw the end of David Flitcroft as Barnsley manager.

Recent form

Birmingham: WDDWDD

Barnsley: LLDDLW

Possible starting lineups

Birmingham: Randolph; Caddis, Bartley, Burn, Robinson; Adeyemi, Lee; Burke, Novak, Shinnie; Zigic

Barnsley: Steele; Ramage, Kennedy, Cranie, Wiseman; O'Brien, Dawson, Mellis, Cywka, McCourt; O'Grady

Sports Mole says: 1-1