The Season So Far

Birmingham City currently lie in ninth place in the Sky Bet Championship, one place behind Brentford on goal difference. They reached a peak of second in the middle of October after a win at Bolton Wanderers but have only won two matches in the previous eight league games, both at home. The last victory was in front of a season's best crowd of 19,714 against Milton Keynes Dons on Monday. Former Bee Clayton Donaldson is their current top scorer with five league goals so far. They reached the Third Round of the Capital One Cup, going out to arch rivals Aston Villa at Villa Park by a single goal. They have been drawn at home to Premier League AFC Bournemouth in the FA Cup Third Round Proper, who won 8-0 in their previous visit to St. Andrew's.

The Blues welcomed eight new faces in the last transfer window, including Maikel Kieftenbeld [FC Groningen]; Jacques Maghoma [Sheffield Wednesday]; Nicolai Brock-Madsen [Randers FC] and short-term signing Shane Lowry [unattached].

The club also announced the permanent signing of Michael Morrison [Charlton Athletic] after a successful loan spell. The Blues completed a straight goalkeeping swap of two in and two out. Colin Doyle [Blackpool] and Darren Randolph [West Ham United] left, with Thomasz Kuszczak [Wolverhampton Wanderers] and Adam Legzdins [Leyton Orient] coming in. Striker Matt Green also departed for Mansfield Town upon release from his contract. Ex-Brentford loan signing Jon Toral [Arsenal] has played 20 games for The Blues so far this season, scoring four goals, plus James Vaughan [Huddersfield Town] and Greg Halford [Rotherham United] are available but both of their temporary spells expire after Saturday's game.

The Gaffer

Former City player Gary Rowett has been in charge of The Blues since October 2014. The 41-year-old made the switch across the West Midlands from Burton Albion, replacing Lee Clark.

With appearances for Derby County, Leicester City and Cambridge United, Rowett made the step into management after hanging up his boots with Burton. He was brought in to save his old club from the relegation places last season.

The Match Officials

Referee: Graham Scott

Assistant Referees: Mark Scholes and Andrew Fox

Fourth Official: Mark Heywood

Ticket news

You can pay on the day for Saturday's game. Visit the Birmingham City ticket information page for more details.

Bees Player

You can hear live match commentary on Bees Player from 2.30pm on Saturday, with commentator Mark Burridge.