THEIR last trip to St Andrews ended in the agony of relegation from the Premiership, but this time West Ham head to the Midlands as favourites.
Birmingham have endured a wretched start to the season, with last week's win at rock-bottom Sunderland being only their second of the campaign.
And, in a stat which echoes Hammers' horrific start to the 2002/03 campaign, their home form has been catastrophic, without a win in front of their own fans since the final day of last season.
Not that anyone at Upton Park will be taking this one for granted, though.
"Birmingham are an improving team," warned West Ham manager Alan Pardew.
"But we will go in a positive mood because we are in good form."
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