Gary Rowett leads his Birmingham City side into today's game with fellow play off contenders Sheffield Wednesday with his side well in the mix for a top six spot, a result which would eclipse all expectations at the start of the season. 

Carlos Carvalhal's Sheffield Wednesday travel to Birmingham City today (3pm kick-off)
Carlos Carvalhal's Sheffield Wednesday travel to Birmingham City today (3pm kick-off)

Wednesday also find themselves above early season expectations, but with the amount of money the Owls have spent, some may argue that a top six is at the very least a minimum.

Both sides are on level points, sitting in seventh and eighth respectively.

The Owls will be hoping to continue a good run of form which has seen them only lose one of the last nine in the league.

Birmingham themselves are putting together a decent run and are unbeaten in four, having not conceded a goal in their last three fixtures as well.

FootballLeagueWorld writer Lee Connor identifies three things to look out for in today's crunch game at St Andrews...

1) Birmingham looking solid

As mentioned above, the Blues have not conceded in the last three games, which included impressive 3-0 wins over promotion rivals Ipswich Town and Derby County.

This bodes well for them going up against another promotion chasing team, especially as the Owls' record against the clubs in the top six leaves a lot to be desired this season.

If they can keep it out again with a clean sheet, they will be confident of walking away with the three points at the end of the game, and climbing back into the play-off positions.

2) New signings 

Both clubs brought in signings during the window of high quality and it will be interesting to see how they settle in to their respective clubs.

Home fans' eyes will be on new signing Diego Fabbrini and what he can bring to an already well functioning team. Will Buckley has already settled in well at the Midlands club, and if Fabbrini can have a similar impact, then the Blues fans will be delighted.

The Owls on the other hand will be hoping new striker Gary Hooper can maintain his form and bag the goals which will lead them to yet another vital three points.

3) Laying down a marker

Something has to give today.

A point won't be the end of the world for both sides, but a win gives either side an important three point cushion over the other.

There is no room for complacency in such a big game like this, and it will be interesting to see if either manager sends his team out with direct attacking intentions to go and win the game.

One has a feeling that both clubs will be sitting tight and not wanting to lose the game.

However it is a dangerous tactic, leaving Ipswich the chance to open up a gap between sixth and both clubs. A win for the Tractor Boys and a draw at St Andrews today, would see a three point cushion open up - a crucial gap at this stage of the season.

Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday fans... what do you think the score will be? Can both of your teams win promotion this season? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!