Despite recording successive victories in their past two games, Birmingham City are in a real fight for survival as they head to Bolton for a crunch clash tonight.

The Trotters are three points ahead of Garry Monk's men, whilst Blues are just two points above Barnsley and will have played a game more after tonight.

Should the former Swansea boss guide the West Midlands side to a third win in a row then many will feel it's a huge step towards preserving their Championship status.

However, Phil Parkinson's men have been very good at home this season, where they have lost just once in the league in 2018.

Therefore, even though it's a winnable fixture for the visitors, they need to respect a Bolton side who are strong on their own patch.

Here we look at the XI Monk should go with...

The former Brighton keeper is sure to start and will be looking for a third consecutive clean sheet

The youngster has come in for two games, which has brough two wins and two clean sheets. The 21-year old defender simply can't be dropped.

Monk has brought the big defender back in and it has worked.

Dean has been a rock in recent games and is stepping up when Blues need him most.

Although the former Brentford man prefers to play on the right-side, he has done very well as a left-back and will continue in that role whilst Jonathan Grounds is out.

The Dutch midfielder is a key component in this Blues side.

In the only change from Saturday, £1.8m-rated Craig Gardner should replace Che Adams.

It's a defensive move but it will be a real battle at Bolton tonight and Gardner brings bite and experience to that midfield, providing he is fit, which could be crucial.

As the game develops and the players tire, Monk can turn to Adams pace and power from the bench and go to a 4-2-3-1.

Including Gardner would also give Davis a platform to get forward more, where he excels.

The club-record signing is starting to deliver and has become a key man under Monk.

The former Wednesday winger has been a key player for Blues this season and will be a constat threat with his pace and power from the left flank.

Even though the powerful striker hasn't scored, he has been vital to Blues play under Monk.

He will be required to hold the ball up to bring others into play, just as he has done in recent games.