Birmingham City are fearing they will be dragged into a relegation battle as an EFL decision on a potential points deduction is finally to be heard next week.

Blues breached the profitability and sustainability rules and were hit with a transfer ban that they seemingly ignored with the signing of Kristian Pedersen.

Therefore, the EFL are pushing for a 12-point deduction and the Telegraph have revealed that a decision is set to be made over the international break.

Importantly, they also confirm that any deduction will be applied this season, which has Blues worried they could be dragged into a relegation battle.

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Garry Monk has done an excellent job at St. Andrew's and they had been in the mix for a play-off spot until a poor run of form recently.

But, a 12-point deduction would leave them just two points outside the bottom three ahead of today's games.

The West Midlands side face a tough trip to Preston today where they will be backed by a sell-out following of 5,600 in the away end.

The Verdict

This is not good news at all for Birmingham, although in a way they will be glad to get it over and done with as it's been hanging over them all season.

There's no doubt a 12-point deduction will drag them right into a relegation battle and it would be extremely unfair on Monk and the players who have done so well this season.

However, if that's what happens they have to deal with it and they should still have enough about them to ensure they are a Championship club next season.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.