Birmingham City must treat Saturday afternoon as a cup final as Mark Venus' men play host to Watford in the Sky Bet Championship.
Blues are without a win in five games and the outlook is bleak, with the gap to the bottom three merely one point. Three points before the international break could be a vital turning point in the relegation fight, but defeat could allow Huddersfield Town or Sheffield Wednesday to leapfrog.
The Terriers take on Rotherham United, by far the division's worst team, while Wednesday, in superb form with four wins in five, are in action against Ipswich Town. Anxiety is understandably rife at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, so a victory is a necessity to ease the nerves.
Watford were tipped as play-off contenders at the start of the season but they've had a poor campaign, slumping down in 14th. The Hornets' squad is brimming with young talent but Valerian Ismael was unable to get the best out of it. Former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has taken the reigns as of this week, so Blues will be hoping there will be no manager bounce.
Club captain Dion Sanderson is now back after a three-match suspension, which is a huge boost. Marc Roberts and Siriki Dembele are now sidelined, however, meaning Venus has fewer options. Including a significant change in attack, here are the 11 players we predict Blues will field this weekend.
1. GK: John Ruddy
Ruddy has left a lot to be desired with his distribution but his shot-stopping ability cannot be denied. Either way, a new number one is needed in the summer.
2. RB: Ethan Laird
The former Man Utd man has been one of the more positive performers during Birmingham’s dire form. He just needs options in the box.
3. CB: Emanuel Aiwu
The Austrian struggled earlier this campaign but he’s done a decent job in the last few matches. A real improvement.
4. CB: Dion Sanderson
Sanderson is finally back after his three-match suspension, offering Blues a huge boost at the back.