Birmingham newcomer David Bentley is included in the squad for the derby clash with Aston Villa after signing on loan from Tottenham for the remainder of the season.
Blues will be without central defender Scott Dann who suffered a torn hamstring during the midweek Carling Cup semi-final setback at West Ham. Manager Alex McLeish may switch Liam Ridgewell from left-back into the heart of the defence or draft in Martin Jiranek as a straight swap for Dann.
Midfielder Lee Bowyer is available after completing a three-game ban.
Aston Villa will be without key duo Emile Heskey and Ashley Young through suspension.
Striker Heskey will serve the second game of a three-match ban for his straight red card against Sunderland 10 days ago.
Winger Young is suspended for one match after he was sent off for two bookable offences in the FA Cup win at Sheffield United last weekend.
On-loan Tottenham defender Kyle Walker is expected to make his league debut for Villa after scoring against the Blades.
Villa have no new injury concerns with full-back Luke Young and Fabian Delph (both knee) are not yet ready to return.
Young could return to action within a fortnight after a visit to the specialist confirmed no serious damage.
Birmingham (from): Foster, Carr, Johnson, Ridgewell, Jiranek, Murphy, Larsson, Bentley, Ferguson, Bowyer, Gardner, Fahey, Hleb, Jerome, Zigic, Derbyshire, Phillips, Taylor, Mutch, Parnaby, Michel.
Aston Villa (from): Friedel, Marshall, Walker, Clark, Collins, Dunne, Cuellar, Albrighton, Downing, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Pires, Bannan, Agbonlahor, Carew, Hogg, Herd, Lichaj.
