Birmingham will be boosted by the return of joint top scorer Olivier Kapo for the visit of Arsene Wenger's side.

The former Juventus player missed the 1-1 draw at West Ham a fortnight ago while serving a one game ban for incurring five bookings.

Blues boss Alex McLeish admits he is still searching for the right combination upfront with Garry O'Connor, Cameron Jerome and Mikael Forssell all in contention to partner James McFadden.

But he will take heart from City's 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium last month as his side search for their first win since Boxing Day,

Premier League leaders Arsenal will check on the fitness of leading scorer Emmanuel Adebayor, who has a stiff neck, and winger Alexander Hleb (foot) ahead of their trip to relegation battlers Birmingham.

Centre-back Kolo Toure (calf) is definitely out, so Philippe Senderos should continue at centre-half alongside captain William Gallas after impressing when he was introduced against AC Milan in the midweek Champions League tie.

Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia expects to be back in action after a virus and Theo Walcott could start - but Emmanuel Eboue (suspended), Robin van Persie (thigh), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Abou Diaby (calf) and Johan Djourou (groin) are out.