Birmingham City could hit top 10 with win over Newcastle

Birmingham City have eased their relegation concerns with successive wins and they can rise above Newcastle United into the top ten if they beat them on Tuesday night.

The last two games for Alex McLeish's men have seen them record 1-0 wins and getting into the top half would be quite a turnaround for a side that sat in the bottom three on February 5th.

In fact, Birmingham have won four of their last five matches in all competition and have taken their confidence gained from making it into the Carling Cup into their quest for Premier League safety. They are priced at 8/5 to beat Newcastle.

The Blues' upturn in fortunes has coincided with a massive improvement in form from their Serbian striker Nikola Zigic – who is 13/2 to score first. The 6ft 8in forward has taken time to come to terms with the rigours of the Premier League but he has scored in three successive games and got two winners on the trot for his side.

McLeish's side have only lost twice at St Andrews all season so far but they have not had much success against Newcastle in recent years, having not secured a top-flight win over the Magpies since 1977.

If Birmingham want to keep all three points on Tuesday night a lot could depend on the striking partnership of Zigic and former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins – who is 6/1 to be first goal scorer).

The Nigerian scored 28 goals from 88 top-flight appearances for tonight's opponents, finally leaving for Wolfsburg when the club were relegated to the Championship. He arrived on loan from Russian side Rubin Kazan during January and his pace, power and ferocious shot could really trouble the Newcastle defenders.

Defender Scott Dann and long-term injury victim James McFadden both remain out for McLeish, who has a decision to make as to what to do with Cameron Jerome – who he dropped to the bench against Stoke but impressed after coming on for Martins later in the game.

Newcastle have drawn four of their last five matches and also not scored in their last two games on the road, meaning they are 2/1 to get the win. Veteran striker Shefki Kuqi (19/2 to score first goal) could feature after signing a short-term deal as Shola Ameobi is out with a fractured cheekbone.

Steven Taylor, Hatem Ben Arfa, Ryan Taylor and Alan Smith are all out injured for the visitors, while loan signing Stephen Ireland is doubtful due to a hamstring problem.

While Birmingham can make it into the Premier League top half with a win, and relieve their relegation fears as a result, Mcleish has urged his team this week not to relax if they want to ensure they are safe.