Birmingham City are enjoying life under Gary Rowett and sit in fifth place ahead of this weekend's clash with Queen's Park Rangers.

Rowett has rejuvenated the Birmingham side who were struggling so badly under Lee Clark, and he is squeezing every last ounce out of his players and resources.

Birmingham have four wins and only one loss from their opening eight games.

They are very defensively solid and look to hit teams on the counter attack.

This weekend they visit Loftus Road to play QPR in what promises to be a close encounter.

After coming quickly out of the blocks, QPR have slowed in recent games and following a 6-0 thumping by Newcastle and three losses in a row, their confidence appears to have been shattered completely.

The Blues will be looking to take advantage of QPR's poor form and pick up another three points this weekend.

Here is the XI Gary Rowett should deploy to give them the best chance of beating QPR at Loftus Road on Saturday.....

GK: Adam Legzdins

Adam Legzdins has very much been second choice to Tomasz Kuszczak during his spell at Birmingham, but has played the last two games - against Reading and Sheffield Wednesday - after Kuszczak suffered an injury.

The 29-year-old has stepped up to the task in these two games but does have an error in him so Birmingham fans will be hoping that he has a quiet game.

RB: Jonathan Spector

Paul Caddis is not match fit yet but Jonathan Spector is playing extremely well in his absence.

The versatile American can play anywhere across the back four or in midfield, but right back is probably his best position.

The 30-year-old seems to have made the right back spot his own with exceptional displays this season.

CB: Michael Morrison

Michael Morrison has been a mainstay in Gary Rowett's defence and should keep his place for the match against QPR.

The 28-year-old centre half has plenty of experience and has contributed to a solid Birmingham defence so far this season.

CB: Ryan Shotton

Ryan Shotton has been partnering Morrison in the heart of defence to good effect so far this year.

Since making his move permanent in the summer, the 27-year-old has demonstrated great pace and physicality, which has allowed Rowett to shape his defence around the former Stoke and Derby man.

Add a long throw and leadership to his list of qualities and he looks a very shrewd piece of business for the Blues.

LB: Rhoys Wiggins

Throwing Rhoys Wiggins in for this game is a slight risk but he is closer to gaining full match fitness, after turning out for the under-23 side on Monday.

The Bournemouth loanee could replace Jonathan Grounds this weekend, if Rowett thinks he's ready for competitive football.

There is no doubting that the 28-year-old Welshman will become Birmingham's first choice left back soon so it might be worth handing him a start against QPR.

CM: Stephen Gleeson

Rowett may look to Stephen Gleeson to add tenacity and bite to the Blues midfield.

The 28-year-old has plenty of experience of playing in the Football League, and should get a starting berth against QPR.

CM: David Davis

David Davis is a hardworking box-to-box midfielder who might not be the prettiest of options but he is effective in what he offers.

The 25-year-old is a strong and powerful ball-winning midfielder who sits in front of the back four and breaks down attacks.

He is a leader on the field and can galvanise his side with energetic performances in the middle of the park.

CM: Maikel Kieftenbeld

Maikel Kieftenbeld proved to be one of the unsung heroes of the Championship last season.

The composed, deep-lying midfielder offers defensive solidity in midfield, protection for the defence and the occasional goal too.

The 26-year-old Dutchman adapted to English football so seamlessly and looks set for another successful season in midfield for the Blues.

RW: Che Adams

Youngster Che Adams is already looking like he could be one of the signings of the summer.

The former England under-20 international can operate on the wing, as an attacking midfielder or as a striker and has been causing problems for Championship defences already.

The creative, pacy, strong 20-year-old shows maturity beyond his years and will continue to develop as a player with regular games in the Championship.

ST: Clayton Donaldson

Clayton Donaldson offers a lot on paper. Pace, strength and a good shot.

But he is inconsistent unfortunately.

Nonetheless the Jamaican international has been playing well for Birmingham, and if he's not on his game then Rowett can threaten to replace him with Lukas Jutkiewicz.

The 32-year-old is also a competent penalty taker.