While the threat of relegation hangs over Birmingham City, David Gold intends to live, breathe and eat every single minute of this stomach-churning experience.

They enter their final quintet of fixtures teetering on the edge of the relegation zone but with spirits lifted by a three-match unbeaten run.

The tension has been almost excruciating at Birmingham's last two fixtures and it is a scene that has been replicated among supporters of West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth.

Every twist is being performed in front of an audience whose nerves are shredded as they are forced to witness their respective team's foibles in all their glory.

A large percentage of Birmingham supporters surreptitiously hoped Villa would beat Albion to drive another nail in the Baggies' coffin.

Contentious penalty decisions and thrilling comebacks have ensured that most neutralseyes are focused on the foot of the Premiership as the drama continues to unfold.

Birmingham's chairman has run the whole gamut of emotions during this campaign, but is a glutton for more punishment.

Steve Bruce, Bryan Robson and Harry Redknapp have all made conscious decisions not to watch their opponents' fixtures in order to preserve their sanity. However, Gold is affording himself no such luxuries and is indulging in more self-flagellation.

He said: "I was supposed to be going out to dinner on Wednesday evening, but I have cancelled and am staying in to watch Portsmouth play against Arsenal on the television.

"Every week, without fail, I go out for a meal with my two daughters, Jacqueline and Vanessa and it was agreed that Wednesday would be our evening this week.

"However, all three of us are going to order a take-away and watch the Portsmouth game, as it seemed the most important thing to do.

"I think most supporters are the same, as we're all desperate for our competitors to do badly at this stage.

"Every game is like a cup final now and I was incredibly nervous during Albion's clash with Villa on Sunday.

"To a degree, I was satisfied with a goalless draw.

While it would have helped us if Villa had beaten Albion, we can go to Villa Park with optimism on Sunday."

Gold is adamant that defeat at Villa Park is not an option and can draw solace from Blues' excellent Premiership record at the home of their near neighbours.

Under Bruce's stewardship, they have garnered seven points out of nine available and snared six goals in the process.

They seemingly have the Indian sign over David O'Leary's side whenever they meet on the north side of the city and Villa's wretched home form will only fuel their growing confidence.

Villa have secured only four home wins all campaign in front of their increasingly restless supporters while the impetus appears to be with Birmingham, so Gold believes.

He said: "Let's hope, for our sakes, that recent tradition continues as we have five cup finals left before the end of the season.

"It is going to be a case of 'Sorry Doug [Ellis], you are a friend of ours, but this game is vital to us. We are going to have take something.'

"They are having bad luck with injuries at present, but we've had plenty this season as well.

"These games are always exciting occasions with local pride and bragging rights at stake. However, Birmingham City is fighting for its very existence right now and that makes this game bigger than any before.

"There is bound to be enormous tension and I am looking for every bit of optimism I can find that will give us an edge.

"The fact we haven't been beaten at Villa Park is a good omen and they are in poor form at present. Mind you, so had we been until the last three games!"