West Bromwich Albion have been subject to an inconsistent start to the season, showing glimpses of promotion quality but also demonstrating frailties that could cost them in the long run.

On Friday, Darren Moore's men take the short journey to St Andrew's and Birmingham City, where the international break has been dominated by worrying stories off the pitch, linking The Blues with breaches of Financial Fair Play and a potential points deduction.

Last time out saw West Brom gain an important win over Stoke City at the Hawthorns, with striker Dwight Gayle netting a brace on that day.

The Baggies will travel to the Friday night football tie at winless Birmingham expecting three points, but noting the hostile atmosphere expected, it will be far from easy.

Here we look at THREE talking points for West Brom ahead of the all Midlands clash...

Either or? Start together? The early season form of strikers Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez has been especially pleasing for Blues fans, scoring seven goals between them.

It seems that the best option for Darren Moore is to start the dynamic duo together, as he adopts a 3-4-1-2 formation.

This allows the Englishmen to thrive in a league that seems too good for their standard, giving West Brom an advantage in the promotion race.

On loan from Leicester City, 20-year-old Harvey Barnes is winning plaudits around the division for his early season performances.

Barnes is of the belief that West Brom are a Premier League club in all but name, and he hopes he can change that and take The Baggies back to the big time.

The loanee plays in an attacking midfield role behind the striking duo, and has netted two goals in six appearances at his new club, where he is enjoying regular football in the Championship for the second year running, after a spell at Barnsley last season.

Darren Moore's side have been handed a boost ahead of Friday's fixture with the Scottish international duo of Matt Phillips and James Morrison fully recovering from injuries to be available.

The former has been very impressive thus far this season, including a notable performance topped off with a goal at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest last month, as well as a brace in a dismantling victory over QPR.

Phillips will play a huge role in the game on Friday, as West Brom look to keep up their free scoring start to the season.