Steve Bruce believes the relegation battle has been made "a mockery" by Middlesbrough's intention to field a weakened side at Portsmouth.
Blues boss Bruce said: "The indications are that Middlesbrough are not going to be at full strength on Saturday. We will have to take it on the chin as we did last time.
"But it certainly does make a mockery of things when people are fighting for their lives and teams are fielding weakened sides.
"It is certainly an advantage for the opposition, that's for sure. There is nothing you can do about it but it is unfortunate.
"There are huge things at stake at this stage of the season and you could do with Middlesbrough being at full tilt. But they have two semi-finals coming along so you can understand it."
Blues boss Bruce said: "The indications are that Middlesbrough are not going to be at full strength on Saturday. We will have to take it on the chin as we did last time.
"But it certainly does make a mockery of things when people are fighting for their lives and teams are fielding weakened sides.
"It is certainly an advantage for the opposition, that's for sure. There is nothing you can do about it but it is unfortunate.
"There are huge things at stake at this stage of the season and you could do with Middlesbrough being at full tilt. But they have two semi-finals coming along so you can understand it."
