Birmingham City will look to move into the top two in the Championship when they face off against bottom-of-the-table Bolton Wanderers at the Macron Stadium.
The Blues defeated Queens Park Rangers on Saturday to secure their third win on the bounce, while Neil Lennon's men were beaten by Burnley to remain in the relegation zone.
Bolton Wanderers
© Getty Images
The Trotters have had a miserable start to the campaign by recording just one victory in their opening 11 matches to leave themselves bottom of the Championship.
Bolton's only win of the season came against Wolverhampton Wanderers in September when first-half goals from Liam Feeney and Zach Clough guided them to a 2-1 victory.
Since then Lennon's men have taken two points from their five contests, including back-to-back defeats to QPR and Burnley in their last two matches.
Pressure is growing on the 44-year-old to produce results, although only three points separate his side in 24th place to Blackburn Rovers up in 15th, giving him breathing room for now at least.
Wanderers have struggled immensely to find the net this season as they have scored nine goals in 11 matches - only Preston North End have notched fewer strikes in the Championship.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch the Trotters also have problems keeping goals out as they have shut out their opponents just three times this season, allowing 18 goals. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches.
Bolton's home form has kept them afloat in the Championship as they are unbeaten at the Macron Stadium, drawing four of their matches and winning once. However, their good record will be put to the test by the Blues.
Recent form: WDLDLL
Birmingham
© Getty Images
The Blues displayed their promotion credentials by recording a comeback win over QPR in their clash at St Andrew's. Matt Phillips fired the R's ahead, but goals from Paul Robinson and Paul Caddis secured the three points.
The victory was Gary Rowett's men's third on the spin and lifted them into fourth place in the table, level on points with second-placed Middlesbrough.
Birmingham have been a quality outfit from the start of the campaign and have only had one disappointing performance when they were beaten 2-0 by Rotherham United at home, while they also succumbed to a narrow defeat to Nottingham Forest.
The club have been impressive on their travels this season and are unbeaten away from St Andrew's, winning three and drawing two of their five matches. Only leaders Brighton & Hove Albion boast a better record on the road.
Birmingham have been clinical in front of goal, notching 18 strikes in their 11 matches. Clayton Donaldson is the club's leading scorer with four goals, which shows that the goals have been spread around the team this season.
Rowett will be determined for his side to continue their good form to pick up their fourth win on the spin and strengthen their position in the top six of the Championship.
Recent form: LDLWWW
Recent form (all competitions): DLLWWW
Team News
© Getty Images
Bolton will be without midfielder Jay Spearing for the clash after he sustained a leg injury against Burnley, while Zach Clough is also out of the match due to a shoulder problem.
Defender Dean Moxey could make the starting lineup for the Trotters if he passes a late fitness test after suffering a toe injury. Josh Vela could feature in the team to replace Spearing in midfield.
City forward Demarai Gray will be fit for the clash despite being withdrawn in the second half of the match against QPR with a knock.
However, David Cotterill is out with a hamstring problem along with Neal Eardley, with Rowett likely to name an unchanged side from the team that beat the R's on Saturday.
Bolton possible starting lineup:
Amos; Wheater, Dervite, Derik, Casado; Vela, Danns, Pratley, Feeney; Wellington, Madine
Birmingham possible starting lineup:
Kuszczak; Caddis, Morrison, Robinson, Grounds; Maghoma, Kieftenbeld, Gleeson; Davis, Gray, Donaldson
Head To Head
Birmingham won the last meeting between the sides on the final day of last season as a strike from Robert Tesche was enough to secure a 1-0 victory at the Macron Stadium.
The Trotters recorded a 1-0 win in the match at St Andrew's earlier in the campaign as Matthew Mills scored the only goal of the match.
Over the course of history, Bolton have edged the contests by winning 51 of the matches compared to Birmingham's 42 victories, while 33 of the clashes have ended in draws.
We say: Bolton 0-1 Birmingham City
The Blues have been in good form of late and despite their solid record at the Macron Stadium the Trotters will not be able to fend off the challenge of Rowett's men, who will produce just enough quality to take the three points.
No Data Analysis info
