A rapidly improving Middlesbrough travel to St Andrews this Boxing Day for their live premier league match against Birmingham City, who have been equally impressive under new boss Alex McLeish.

Birmingham City have managed to drag themselves away from the drop zone on the league table and are currently 15th with 15 points from 17 games thanks to a convincing 3-2 win over Tottenham and a 1-1 draw against Reading.  Injury concerns are also a factor in Birmingham’s mixed start to the season as Stuart Parnaby is out with a foot injury.

Middlesbrough on the other hand look like the good side they can be following their astounding win over Arsenal. Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate will have been satisfied to record a 1-0 win over bottom huggers Derby and will be looking forward to his side building on recent form. Gary O'Neil has a hamstring issue, but he could be fit for the Birmingham clash, while Julio Arca could finally return to live Premiership action. Last season on Boxing Day Middlesbrough managed to hold Everton to a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park.

Watch Birmingham v Middlesbrough live on free-football.tv, the premier online source for all live football action.