David Prutton has predicted Birmingham City to record their eighth draw (1-1) of the Championship campaign when they host Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Birmingham appeared to have turned a corner with victories over promotion-chasing Bristol City and Reading at the beginning of December.

However, two straight defeats against Watford and Cardiff has left the Blues just six points above the relegation-zone ahead of a festive period where they face a number of sides in danger.

 

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And if Aitor Karanka's side want to avoid getting dragged into a dogfight themselves, they must improve their record at St Andrew's - with Birmingham taking just one point from their previous five home matches since beating Preston on Halloween.

But whilst the Blues are better on the road, Middlesbrough are struggling on their travels - with each of their last six Championship victories coming at the Riverside.

Despite their away struggles, Boro head into the weekend just two points outside the top-six, and with 5th-place Reading and 6th-place Brentford meeting in West London, victory could mean that Neil Warnock's men spend Christmas in the play-offs.

The Verdict

With Birmingham poor at home and Middlesbrough finding it difficult away from the Riverside, everything would point towards a draw.

But Boro were outstanding against Millwall last Saturday, before producing a more dogged display to overcome Luton in midweek, and I think they'll come away with the three points here.