Birmingham City have perhaps been the surprise package in the Championship this season.

After a summer of turmoil in which they struggled to sign players, they've managed to remain in touch with the top six, putting together organised and disciplined performances.

They rely on the robust centre forward play of Lukas Jutkiewicz, which ensures the ball sticks up the right end of the pitch and keeps danger of the back four.

Further back down the pitch they've still solid and organised, a functional midfield serves as another line of defence and Lee Camp has brought experience in goal, helping to organise the back four.

They're resolute, tough to beat if perhaps a little unspectacular going forward. There's little shame in that, they've made a great start given the tool at their disposal.

This weekend they face Hull City hoping to sign off ahead of the international break with another win, but they do so without a handful of key players. Here are three that will definitely miss out this weekend.

Gardner is suspended and won't feature this weekend, making way for either his brother Craig or youngster Charlie Lakin.

He's amassed six bookings, one in the EFL Cup and five in the league, meaning he serves a one-game suspension.

Maghoma is an other who won't make the game, having been out since October 23rd.

He came off just before half time as the Blues beat Reading and isn't expected back before the international break.

Davis is a long-term injury concern and isn't expected back any time soon.

With 132 starts in the league for the Blues he's been a key player, but hasn't featured since the final day of last season.