Birmingham City are a side that continue to flirt with the Championship play-offs as Gary Rowett continues his revival of the Midlands club.

The Blues have had it pretty tough going in recent years, with off-the-field problems dominating headlines and ownership issues that until very recently, hadn't been resolved.

But with fresh financial backing and a squad that seems to really work for each-other, things are beginning to click down at St Andrews.

Victory over Bristol City last weekend gave Birmingham their first win in four attempts in a result that took the Blues back into the Championship play-offs.

But with another tricky game against up-and-down Brentford to come this weekend, how should Gary Rowett line up his troops for the game?

With Jonathan Spector banned, he's been forced into making at least one change to the side but how else should he deploy his troops for another big game?

With that in mind, here's our starting XI we think will have enough to beat the Bees this weekend...

GK: Tomasz Kuszczak

Birmingham City v Aston Villa - Sky Bet Championship

Easily man-of-the-match in the game against Bristol City, Blues goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak pulled off a string of saves to give his side all three points last weekend.

Another good result in the game against Brentford could see Blues take two wins from two.

RB: Josh Cogley

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Made his bow for Birmingham back in a Cup game against Oxford in August and with Jonathan Spector suspended for the game in London, Josh Cogley could come into the side at right-back.

He's a young man bursting with energy and quality and you feel a run in the first-team would be fantastic for his developing career.

CB: Ryan Shotton

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His hairstyle might be changing week-after-week but on the pitch, Ryan Shotton continues to show why Gary Rowett brought him to the club permanently this summer.

The former Stoke City man has been seriously solid at the back and his good form has been a real factor in Birmingham's ability to keep pace at the top of the division.

CB: Michael Morrison

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Captain Michael Morrison has formed a really good partnership with Shotton at the heart of the Birmingham defence and as always, he's looked solid as the season has gone on.

The former Huddersfield Town man is as robust as they come and the Brentford forwards won't be relishing his company in the slightest.

LB: Jonathan Grounds

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Once again, Birmingham are down to the bare bones in the left-back department, and Jonathan Grounds continues to fill in as options are considered.

He might not be the marauding full-back some teams have in their possession but he's a solid enough option in this Birmingham side.

RM: David Cotterill

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He's not always been the biggest fan-favourite down at St Andrews but David Cotterill certainly does a decent job out on the Birmingham flank.

The Welsh international has a decent amount of pace and his delivery at times is fantastic.

CM: Steven Gleeson

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Former MK Dons man Steven Gleeson is a real mainstay in this current Birmingham City side and his robustness in the middle-of-the-park has been nothing but an asset this season.

He's a tough-tackling, no-nonsense defender who is excellent at breaking up opposition play in midfield.

CM: Maikel Kieftenbeld

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Former Gronigen man Maikel Kieftenbeld is as hard a midfielder as you'll meet in the Championship.

Like Gleeson, he's not afraid to do the dirty work and when it comes to breaking up play and making it tough for opponents, there might be non better in the division.

LM: Jacques Maghoma

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Whilst David Davis offers a sturdy option on the left-hand flank, we'd like to see Jacques Maghoma start the game against Brentford.

He's frighteningly quick and when it comes to direct wingers, he's one of the best in the league.

The Congolese international has been in good form this season and if the Blues want to break down the Brentford lines, he could be the man to do it.

ST: Lukas Jutkiewicz

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There's been plenty of rumours going around that the Burnley man is wanted on a permanent deal by Gary Rowett and Birmingham City and there's plenty of evidence to suggest why.

He's scored five goals since joining the club in September and he's a real presence upfront.

ST: Che Adams

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Whilst Clayton Donaldson is normally the go-to man at St Andrews, he's out of form and struggling to score goals.

Meanwhile, Che Adams scored his third of the season against Bristol City, which eventually turned out to be the match-winner.

He's pacy, skillful and not afraid to take defenders on. Gives the Birmingham frontline a real attacking edge.