It was a huge night in Birmingham City’s history on Wednesday night, with the Blues sealing their place in the 2011 Carling Cup final with a victory over West Ham.

Alex McLeish’s team looked down and out at half-time in the second leg, with City trailing 3-1 on aggregate after Carlton Cole’s long-range effort had beaten Ben Foster.

However, Birmingham battled back and they will now look to take a step closer to Wembley in the FA Cup. In truth, their poor Premier League form is enough of a concern for McLeish to ring in the changes, especially with Manchester City visiting on Wednesday.

Nikola Zigic might well get the chance to start in attack after making an impact against the Hammers, while Jean Beausejour will also get some much-needed game time.

Meanwhile, Coventry played pretty well at Loftus Road on Sunday when losing 2-1 to QPR and the Sky Blues will be well supported for this west Midlands derby.

Manager Aidy Boothroyd said: “The performance was good. I’m pleased with the way we played against the top side in the division. We created some great chances and if we put them in then it’s a different game.”

The visitors will have to cope without Michael Doyle, who completed a free transfer to Sheffield United this week and the manager was full of praise for a loyal servant.

“Michael has been a terrific servant to the club,” said Boothroyd.

Match odds:

Birmingham, 5/6 with bet365

Draw, 27/10 with Bwin

Coventry, 9/2 with Stan James