elland-roadTwo weeks since Brian McDermott’s side slumped to a fifth defeat in six games against Derby County, his Leeds United side return to business on Sunday hoping to improve their form with a visit from Birmingham City.

Leeds will be able to draw some confidence from Birmingham’s recent form, particularly away from home where they’ve lost their last four Championship matches, failing to find the back of the net in the last three.

McDermott was hoping to reinforce his struggling Leeds United side with the addition of loan signings during the international break, but despite failing to do so, The Whites are still considered favourites with bookmakers for this fixture.

The break in fixtures has given both these struggling sides a chance to regroup following difficult starts to season. Leeds United fans are hoping the time out has given Sam Byram a chance to return to full fitness following a brief spell out of the side with an injury he’s been carrying since the end of last season.

No new injuries have been reported by McDermott, but he’ll likely make changes from the side that lost 3-1 to Derby County. £1m summer signing Luke Murphy may be back in contention, but it’s unlikely to be at the expense of Alex Mowatt who’s been the stand-out player in recent weeks.

Birmingham City have a couple of injury worries. Wade Elliot has missed a few of City’s recent matches with a calf injury, but may return to the starting line-up on Sunday. The Blues may also be without David Murphy who hobbled off with a knee injury during Birmingham’s last game, while Neal Eardley is also out injured.

Former Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark has endured a difficult spell since joining Birmingham in June 2012. The club have been on the market since owner Carson Yeung was arrested on charges of money laundering, a charge which led to the freezing of his assets leaving the club in a difficult financial situation and looking for a new owner.