Preview: Birmingham City vs. Middlesbrough

The winner of Saturday's Championship clash between Birmingham City and Middlesbrough will leapfrog their opponent as both currently sit on 19 points in the table.

The Blues, who sit above Middlesbrough on goal difference, head into the game on the back of a positive run, where they are unbeaten in their last four fixtures.

However, Lee Clark's men have struggled for consistency, having secured draws after two of their recent victories, their latest a 1-1 draw with Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday.

For Middlesbrough, Aitor Karanka has grabbed one victory and suffered two defeats since becoming head coach at the Riverside, and they will have to overcome midweek's 2-1 defeat to Derby County.

Curtis Main will be unavailable for the encounter after being given his marching orders against the Rams during the week.

Recent form

Birmingham City: DLWDWD

Middlesbrough: WLDLWL

Possible starting lineups

Birmingham City: Randolph; Caddis, Robinson, Burn, Hancox; Novak, Adeyemi, Reilly, Lingard; Mclean, Zigic

Middlesbrough: Given; Friend, R Williams, Woodgate, Gibson; Adomah, Butterfield, Smallwood, Whitehead; Emnes, Kamara

Sports Mole says: 1-0