Before the October international break, Middlesbrough had failed to post successive wins, something which naturally kept the club no higher than mid-table.
However, Boro have turned a corner since the middle of the month, recording three victories in a row against Peterborough United, Barnsley and Cardiff City.
While the level of opposition should be taken into account before any of their supporters get carried away, Neil Warnock will be delighted with the maximum return.
Boro have still not scored more than twice in a game this season, but three consecutive 2-0 triumphs have left the team with one of the best defensive records in the division.
Andraz Sporar has also found his feet in the North-East, contributing two goals and an assist during his last two appearances.
Birmingham are still waiting for Troy Deeney to have a similar impact at St Andrew’s after making the transfer to his boyhood club in August.
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Nevertheless, the forward produced his best performance of the season against Swansea City last time out, getting on the scoresheet as Blues won 2-1 against the Welsh side.
On the back of a narrow defeat at neighbours West Bromwich Albion, Lee Bowyer’s side have now collected four points from two games, a necessary return to keep clear of the relegation zone.
While there are currently 12 places separating the two clubs, an away victory on Saturday will see Birmingham move to within two points of their hosts
