West Ham host Birmingham in a fixture that could have a massive bearing in the scrap to avoid relegation. The Hammers landed an excellent away win at Blackpool in mid-week and with a number of decent deadline day signings coming into the team, Avram Grant will be optimistic about avoiding relegation.

Birmingham have kept putting in manful performances over the last few weeks, but are simply not picking up enough wins. The draw with Manchester City in mid-week suggested they have the stomach for the relegation dog flight, but travelling to Upton Park to face a direct rival for a place in the division will be a major test.

West Ham won this fixture when the two met in a Carling Cup semi-final last month, and whilst Birmingham will be fired up having ultimately come through the tie, the quality of the Hammers’ new recruits should be enough to see Grant’s men jump out of the relegation zone.

Prediction 3-2

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