Everyone loves an underdog in football, everyone loves to see a side battling against the odds and in the Championship, we have two such clubs at the moment.

QPR had a horrible summer and a terrible start to the season, but they're tucked in behind the top six, waiting for a chance to pounce. Birmingham City endured a similarly torrid close season, but they too have defied the odds to launch an unlikely assault on the play-off places.

The Blues were left unable to sign players in the summer courtesy of previous overspending, but Garry Monk has brought the squad together and turned them into a formidable opponent. They play to their strengths and the former Swansea boss is proving he's still a top manager.

Can they keep that going into 2019? If they can, are they genuinely in the hunt for a place in the Premier League? Or is it going to be a step too far, an ending so far-fetched that it can't possibly pan out?

Our FLW experts discuss whether they're on for a top six finish...

Gary Hutchinson

I would love to say yes. I love an underdog and Garry Monk is a manager I believe has a bright future despite recent setbacks. He's proving his worth there and with them just two points outside the top six, they look like contenders.

They're not though, not really. They're going to be left behind in January as the other clubs bring in players and they're forced to make do.

It's a shame, the huge potential at St Andrew's is obvious and if they get through the FFP issues, they're looking good for the future.

George Harbey

I think they’ve definitely gone under the radar and proved that they are play-off contenders.

They are only two points off the top six, on the back of securing some very impressive wins against Wigan and Stoke.

With another home clash looming, Garry Monk has got to be feeling confident about his side’s chances.

Alfie Burns 

What they've achieved this season has been superb. Garry Monk deserves so much credit.

This year, they will probably fall short of the play-offs, but in Monk, they've got a manager capable of building something despite off-field problems.

Keeping him sweet could mean there's a better chance next year.