Birmingham In Search of a Vital Win

Birmingham City are still not safe from the dreaded drop and are in desperate need of points to stave off relegation from the Premier League.

The club have struggled ever since the joys of winning the Carling Cup back in February and even with only two games left in the Premier League season they are only three points ahead of Blackpool, who are 1/4 to go down, in the final relegation place.

With no win in the last four games it is worrying times for Blues fans coming into the final two matches of the campaign, but St Andrews has been a happier place for the side so that could bode well coming into their next game with Fulham.

Birmingham have recorded six of their eight total victories in front of their home fans, with eights draws and only four defeats, and face a Fulham side who have only won twice on their travels. The home team are 11/10 with bookmakers to get that much-needed win.

If Alex McLeish's side can get all three points at the weekend they would be assured of Premier League survival for another season.

They could do with wrapping up their safety at home rather than relying on their away form as they have lost three straight matches on the road and travel to high-flying Spurs on the final day of the season. (Birmingham seen at 5/1 to be relegated)

Birmingham will have to face Fulham without defender Liam Ridgewell after he was given a straight red card for deliberate handball in the defeat to Newcastle last time out.

The penalty that resulted changed the game at St James' Park and means Birmingham now have to scrap for their lives on a weekend that could really determine which three sides are condemned to the Championship.

With Wolves facing Sunderland and Blackpool playing Bolton on the Saturday the relegation picture could be even clearer before the Blues face Fulham on Sunday. Elsewhere there is also a massive relegation clash as the bottom two, Wigan and West Ham, meet at the DW Stadium. (Wigan 6/5 to win the game, West Ham 5/2 with bookmakers)

The picture is clear for Birmingham, beat Fulham, with the West London side priced at 11/4 to win, and ensure Premier League football for next season. After three of the last four games being away from home the comforts of playing at St Andrews could come to the fore on Sunday.

Goalkeeper Ben Foster, who has been a shining light for McLeish this season, reckons the team will go into the form "pretty confident" given their home form, while their goal difference "adds a point" to the relegation picture.

The former Manchester United stopper told the Birmingham Mail: " The game against Fulham is obviously a massive game and we will be going into that thinking we need to get three points, then that should be us out of it, safe.

“No-one is kind of doom or gloom or anything like that, we’re just looking forward to Fulham now.

"We’re not looking to grind out a draw or anything on Sunday against Fulham, we are looking for the full three points to try and make sure there’s no doubt about us being in the Premier League next season.”

There had been some reports that defender Scott Dann could return to the first team for the finale of the Premier League season.

With Ridgewell suspended the return of Dann would be a massive boost, but the defender himself has stated he is now planning on rushing back and wants to ensure he is ready for the start of next season.