Gary Rowett's Birmingham City side entertain Fulham at St Andrews this afternoon in a match that holds significance at both ends of the Championship table.

The Blues need a win to stay in touch with the play-off positions after last week's disappointing 0-0 draw with local rivals Wolves left them four points behind sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Fulham have plunged straight into a relegation dogfight, finding themselves just 1 point above the drop zone, but they do have considerably better goal difference than Rotherham, who currently occupy the final relegation place.

With this match holding huge importance for both sides, FLW looks at 3 things to look out for in the match

1) Birmingham's home form

Unlike recent seasons, the Blues have made St Andrews a fortress over the past few months, having won 6 of their last 7 home league games.

They will expect to maintain that form against a side so low in the table, but will need it to continue for the duration of the season if they are to reach the play-offs.

Fulham know they will need to defend exceptionally well today to come away with a result, something they have failed to do far too often this campaign.

2) Ross McCormack

Only leaders Burnley have scored more goals than the Cottagers this year, so if it wasn't for the goals of Ross McCormack, Fulham would be in a truly perilous position.

The Scotsman is one of the most feared strikers at this level, and as long as Fulham have him in their side they have a chance, regardless of their questionable record at the other end of the pitch.

The club fought extremely hard to keep him out of the clutches of promotion-chasing Middlesbrough in January and he will be crucial if they are to stay in the division.

3) Jon Toral

The Arsenal loanee has had a very productive spell in the Midlands so far and has emerged as an important member of Rowett's side.

He scored the decisive strike in the recent win against Hull, and could once again have a major influence on this game as Birmingham search for a much-needed 3 points.

Toral impressed last season at Brentford, scoring 6 times in 34 games, but he has really come into his own this season and Gary Rowett looks to have got the best out of the Spaniard.

Birmingham and Fulham fans...What are your predictions for the match? Can the Blues close the gap on the play-off places? Will Fulham pull themselves further away from the drop zone? Let us know what you think in the comments below!