Birmingham City could be set for a nervy end to the season with a potential points deduction forcing them into a relegation battle.

The Daily Mail have revealed that the club expect to be hit with a 12-point deduction that would see them drop down the table and sit just two points above the relegation zone.

Obviously, that would be a major blow for Blues and it will be particularly concerning as they are out of form right now.

The late defeat against Preston on Saturday made it four losses in a row for Garry Monk's men who have failed to score a goal in that time too.

A reason for that has been the form of big-money signing Jota, who has struggled generally since arriving at St. Andrew's.

And, that has certainly been the case in the past month or so, with Monk even leaving the 27-year-old as an unused substitute for two recent defeats.

[ad_pod ]

That proves how his form has dipped and it's exactly what Blues don't need at such a critical point in the campaign.

At his best the Spaniard was one of the outstanding players in the league for former club Brentford and whilst he hasn't hit those heights in the West Midlands, he should still be offering more.

Monk's side are very rigid and hardworking and he should be the player to give them that creativity and spark in the final third as his talent is clear to see.

Yet, for whatever reasons it's just not working for him right now and that has to change.

This upcoming potential points deduction will plunge Birmingham into a real crisis situation and they will need their big players to step up - especially Jota.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.