It's a busy week for Alex McLeish's Blues side, as they travel to face West Ham (under new ownership) at the Boleyn Ground this Wednesday.
At least Blues should be in good spirits after coming back from a goaldown to beat local rivals Wolves 2-1 on Sunday, with both goals scored by the genius that is 36 year-old Kevin Phillips. When he failed to bring in reinforcements to the striking department during the January window, McLeish promised Phillips more game time in the run to the end of the season, and the veteran striker repaid that faith in the best way possible on Sunday!
West Ham played at Burnley on Saturday, losing 2-1 to deepen their relegation worries, although the supporters will have been somewhat heartened by a debut goal from substitute Ilan as a late consolation. West Ham sit firmly in the bottom three, level on points with Blues' latest victims Wolves, although Hammers have a better goaldifference.
Zola's side have won only three home games this season, against Vilers, Burnley and Portsmouth, this their last win of any kind on Boxing Day. Blues on the other hand sit in a comfortable 8th place having already won four away games.
West Ham's new owners' previous connections with Birmingham City shouldn't have any impact on the game on Wednesday, unless Blues' players and management go there with determination to show them how much things at St Andrews have improved since the cloud of doom and gloom was lifted by the arrival of the new regime.
I fully expect Alex McLeish to make changes - the side has been crying out for fresh legs in recent matches - and Choo-Choo Benitez looks certain to miss the game with injury. Craig Gardner, Michel and Keith Fahey must all be under consideration for a start in midfield, and James McFadden could be pushed further forward into the role of second striker. Kevin Phillips is likely to have to be content to start on the bench again, although he will surely be called on more readily after his brace against Wolves.
West Ham will, like Wolves, be fighting for their very Premier League existence, so expect another tough uncompromising battle.
If you fancy a little wager, this looks odds-on a goal-less draw, so break open your kids' piggy bank and get down to the bookies!