Preview: Leicester City vs. Birmingham City

Leicester City's recent form has resulted in reports that manager Nigel Pearson could soon be relieved of his duties.

The Foxes were once considered major contenders for automatic promotion, but a run of eight encounters without a victory going into Friday night's clash against Birmingham City has seen them even slip out of the playoffs.

Scoring goals has also been a major problem for Pearson's side. Not since February 26 have they scored more than one goal in a match.

In attempt to end their goalscoring problems, Pearson may recall Chris Wood to the starting lineup in place of Jeffrey Schlupp. Former Manchester United defender Ritchie de Laet could also be included.

Meanwhile, for the first time in a few months, Lee Clark's Birmingham are looking upwards rather than down. Three wins out of their last six outings has seen them move six points clear of the drop zone.

They should go into their trip to the King Power Stadium with confidence, having picked up 27 points on the road this season. Only five teams in the Championship have a better return from their away matches.

Out of the last five meetings between these two teams, the visiting Blues have lost just once.

Recent form

Leicester: LDLLLD

Birmingham: DWWWLD

Possible starting lineups

Leicester: Schmeichel; Konchesky, Morgan, Keane, De Laet; Drinkwater, Marshall, King, James; Wood, Nugent

Birmingham: Butland; Davies, Reilly, Hancox, Caddis; Robinson, Morrison, Elliott, Redmond; Zigic, Thomas

Sports Mole says: 1-1