Birmingham City have looked a lot better in recent weeks in the Championship and that should cheer up Blues fans ahead of the weekend.

The men from St. Andrew's take on Aston Villa at Villa Park this weekend in the Second City derby and they'll be looking to boost their survival hopes as well as dent Villa's promotion plans.

For sure, the Blues are in the best shape they've been all season to do that right now with them fourth in the form table and certain key players finally beginning to perform.

With that in mind, it's time to look at the latest subject of the FLW Spotlight - Jota:

Signed in a big move from Brentford in the summer, many were expecting Jota to help the Blues challenge for the top six.

For much of the season, though, he and his team-mates have sorely underwhelmed but, similarly, the collective is now starting to gel and show what they can do.

They're far from safe, of course, but they've started ruffling feathers and last weekend against Sheffield Wednesday should boost the confidence with Jota grabbing a brace - his first two goals of the campaign.

With three assists to his name, as well, his totals are not where they were last season but he has looked more like the player of 2016/17 in recent weeks.

For sure, his improvement - though not complete - is indicative of a wider performance increase from the Blues and if he can kick on with his team-mates the Blues will be safe this season.

Thoughts, Blues fans? Let us know below!

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