Preview: Brum vs Boro

Another hotly contested relegation battle will ensue as Birmingham take on Middlesbrough in the Premiership on Boxing day. Birmingham have lost 8 out of 11 Premiership games to Boro's sudden improvement in form.

Suspensions and injuries

Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate is a concern alongside Gary O'Neil.

Squads

Birmingham (from): Maik Taylor, Parnaby, Kelly, Sadler, Queudrue, Schmitz, Ridgewell, Jaidi, Djourou, Larsson, De Ridder, Muamba, Nafti, Johnson, Sheffrey, Kapo, Jerome, Forssell, O'Connor, Doyle.

Middlesbrough (from): Schwarzer, Turnbull, Young, Woodgate, Wheater, Pogatetz, Huth, Cattermole, O'Neil, Boateng, Arca, Rochemback, Johnson, Shawky, Aliadiere, Downing, Tuncay, Lee, Hutchinson.

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

Birmingham 2-1 Middlesbrough

A well needed late christmas present for Alex McLeish today as his Birmingham side will claim an immense three points in this relegation three pointer.

Goalscorer: Mikael Forssell.