After 27 matches without a Championship draw, that moment finally arrived for Blackburn last weekend as they earned a share of the spoils at Bristol City, holding on for a 1-1 draw while being at a player disadvantage for the final 16 minutes.
With three defeats having come in their previous four league games, Jon Dahl Tomasson would have felt grateful for a point, particularly against one of the improving teams in the division.
The result was also enough to keep Rovers in fourth position, even though they can effectively rule out a bid for the top two now with Sheffield United 14 points clear.
With Blackburn having no history when it comes to reacting to stalemates under Tomasson, it remains to be seen how they will fare on Saturday, but they can take confidence from their performance in the previous round.
A first-half Jack Vale proved to be enough to see off Norwich City at Carrow Road, and Tomasson will now sense an opportunity to go deeper in this competition
Birmingham, on the other hand, will view this occasion as a welcome distraction from the Championship after losing five consecutive matches.
Links >> Stream 1 HD Stream 2 HD Stream 3 HD Stream 4 HD
Blues have quickly gone from dark horses for promotion to finding themselves bidding to remain out of a relegation battle, the gap currently at six points at a time when teams below them are improving.
With issues behind the scenes a constant topic for conversation, John Eustace knows that the club as a whole require something to cheer on the pitch.
Birmingham came from behind to defeat Forest Green Rovers in the third round, Lukas Jutkiewiczand new signing Kevin Long scoring the goals in a 2-1 triumph over the League One strugglers.
