Alex McLeish is confident that his players can use the distraction of the cup and the lure of a final at Wembley to forget the 5-0 drubbing they received at the hands of Manchester United last weekend.
Whilst United were in scintillating form, Birmingham were poor and McLeish will need his team to forget their terrible Premier League form if they are to turn around the 2-1 deficit from the first leg and progress to the final.
St Andrew's has not been as much of a fortress this season as the previous campaign - with the Blues looking to win at home for the first time since their quarter-final victory over rivals Aston Villa back in the same competition in December.
The home side do have some history in the competition, in fact you could argue it is the only history they have - with the 1963 League Cup triumph being the only major trophy in the club's history.
Hammers Hoping Impressive Run Continues
West Ham fans will travel to St Andrew's confident that their side can hold on to their 2-1 lead and progress to a Wembley final. The Hammers have been a totally different side in cup competitions this season, winning their last six straight games in the cups - that's two more than they have managed in the Premier League season so far.
The Hammers like playing against Birmingham - Avram Grant's men have won five of their last nine fixtures against the Blues, losing just once.
And their travelling supporters will be hoping that their impressive record against McLeish's team cancels out their poor record in semi-finals - with the London side losing five of their previous seven semis.
TEAM NEWS
Birmingham City
Loan signing David Bentley is unavailable for selection after featuring for Tottenham earlier in the competition, but there is some good news for manager Alex McLeish with striker Cameron Jerome expected to play after shaking off a hamstring strain that saw him only make the bench for the 5-0 defeat at Manchester United.
Birmingham are also without long-term absentees James McFadden (knee) and centre-back Scott Dann, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with the hamstring injury he picked up in the first leg at Upton Park.
Possible starting XI: Foster; Carr, Johnson, Ridgewell, Murphy; Larsson, Gardner, Ferguson, Hleb; Jerome, Zigic.
West Ham
Suspensions to key players could harm the Hammers' chances of holding on to their slim 2-1 lead at St Andrew's. Victor Obinna misses the game after receiving a straight red card in the first leg whilst forward Frederic Piquionne is unavailable after his dismissal in the 2-2 draw against Everton at the weekend.
West Ham are also without defender Manuel da Costa (ankle) and midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger (thigh).
Possible starting XI: Green; Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Bridge; Hines, Spector, Parker, Noble, Sears; Cole.
Prediction
Birmingham 1-1 West Ham 
