Birmingham and West Ham United lock horns at the St.Andrews on Saturday, with the side's in contrasting positions at the table.
Blues were one of the pre-season relegation candidates having come up from the Championship last season, but Alex McLeish's side are currently flying high in the Premier League after last weekend's win at Wigan.
The 3-2 victory over the Latics saw the promoted club extend their unbeaten run to six and the St Andrews faithful are in dreamland after seeing their side occupy ninth position in England's top division.
Meanwhile, Gianfranco Zola's side travel to the West Midlands off the back of some inconsistent form, they first defeated Burnley 5-3 at Upton Park before the visit of Manchester United saw the champions put four past the East Londoners without reply.
West Ham, though, begin life without Dean Aston who was forced to call time on his career on Friday.
The 26-year-old striker has been forced to retire from the ankle injury which has plagued him since 2006.
And Zola will again be without the services of skipper Matthew Upson with Carlton Cole, Valon Behrami and Luis Jimenez.
Forward Zavon Hines has also joined the absentee list but midfielder Mark Noble is back after missing the last two games with a virus.
Birmingham, meanwhile, welcome Kevin Phillips back to the squad for Saturday's home clash with West Ham.
Fellow forward Garry O'Connor and on-loan Sunderland midfielder Teemu Tainio remain long-term injury absentees after hip and knee operations respectively.
REVIEW:
Former West Ham United midfielder Lee Bowyer gave Birmingham City their fourth straight win as City edged out Hammers to a 1-0 win at St. Andrews on Saturday.
The result, after this lively encounter, means the Hammers are back into the drop zone.
Cameron Jerome had the home side's best chance of the first half when he headed just over the bar.
Alessandro Diamanti went close after the break before Bowyer's third goal in four games put the Blues in front.
Substitute Kieron Dyer hit the post but once Mark Noble was sent off for a second caution West Ham's hopes died.