After qualifying for the Carling Cup final and the FA Cup fifth round, Birmingham desperately need a Premiership victory if they want to avoid dropping into the relegation zone.
Brum currently sit just outside the bottom three, but Alex McLeish’s side have a couple of games in hand, meaning the situation is still not alarming.
New signings Obafemi Martins and Curtis Davis will be in contention for the City match, but Scott Dann, James McFadden and Enric Valles remain sidelined.
Manchester City aim to close to the gap behind the fierce rivals and their 6-3-3 away record gives them reason for optimism.
Carlos Tevez should start after shaking off a back strain, but Adam Johnson, Mario Balotelli and Micah Richards are out injured.
Manchester City are the favourites to win this one and they are priced 1.91 (10/11) at 188BET, with odds on draw 3.50 (5/2). Birmingham are 4.60 (18/5) to record an invaluable win.
HOT! Weekly cashback betting offers for different markets 
