Gary Rowett has the task of leading his Birmingham City side back to winning ways after seeing their impressive progress halted by draws in recent weeks.

Compared to the torrid form which threatened to drag the side into a relegation battle earlier in the season, three successive draws will hardly have the Birmingham supporters panicking when they travel to the capital to take on Fulham on Saturday.

However, the gap between Rowett's side and the playoffs is now 10 points, and they can't afford to lose further ground if they are to keep their slim promotion hopes alive.

Despite their struggles to overcome stubborn defences in recent weeks, Birmingham are currently on a five-match unbeaten run in the league, and they gained a boost on transfer deadline day.

Rather than celebrate the arrival of eye-catching new recruits, Rowett and his side's supporters were left relieved as the club rejected another approach for Demarai Gray from Bournemouth.

Keeping the talented young forward could be crucial as Birmingham look to hit their targets, and he is likely be the team's main threat once again at Craven Cottage.

An unsuccessful switch to the FA Cup ended in disappointment for Fulham this week as Sunderland came from behind to knock them out of the competition with a 3-1 victory.

Marcus Bettinelli's own goal allowed the Black Cats to level the scores in the second half, but Fulham boss Kit Symons has insisted that the error will not change his faith in the goalkeeper.

Despite being forced to wait to find out whether Bryan Ruiz's move to Levante has been completed, the Costa Rican is unlikely to be involved due to the uncertainty surrounding his future.

Symons could be forced to rotate following his side's efforts in midweek, with Moussa Dembele and Lasse Vigen Christensen pushing to be included from the start.

Fulham:

Form in Championship: LLLWWL
Form in all competitions: DWWDLL

Possible starting lineup: Bettinelli, Grimmer, Hutchinson, Bodurov, Stafylidis, Tunnicliffe, Christensen, Kacaniklic, Dembele, McCormack, Rodallega,

Birmingham City:

Form in Championship: LWWDDD
Form in all competitions: WWDLDD

Possible starting lineup: Randolph, Caddis, Spector, Robisnon, Grounds, Davis, Gleeson, Cotterill, Dyer, Gray, Donaldson

Sports Mole says: 1-2

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