The first round of midweek Championship fixtures of the season begins this evening, with a number of clubs in action.

One of the games taking place comes at St Andrew's, where Birmingham City will host Watford, where the hosts will be looking to bounce back from a first defeat of the season at Cardiff on Saturday.

Watford meanwhile, will be aiming to build on their promising victory over Burnley from Friday night, as they look to continue their strong start to the season.

This is also a game that could feature a number of subplots, so here, we've taken a look at three things worth keeping an eye during tonight's clash between these two sides.

What part will Pedro play amid transfer speculation?

Watford lost one of their key attacking outlets over the weekend with confirmation of Emmanuel Dennis' move to Nottingham Forest, and it seems uncertainy over another is growing.

According to recent reports, Newcastle United have now had a bid rejected to sign Joao Pedro from the Hornets, and are apparently considering a second bid.

The chance of a return to the Premier League could certainly appeal to Pedro, so it will be interesting to see if Watford boss Rob Edwards believes the 20-year-old is still focused enough to face the Blues, and if the player himself is still ready to risk an injury by playing, when such a move could be on the cards.

Deeney faces his former club

There will of course, be one very familiar face to those of a Watford persuasion within the Birmingham ranks this evening, in the form of Troy Deeney.

The striker made over 400 appearances and scored 140 goals during an 11-year spell with the Hornets, before making the move to his boyhood club last summer, and he has started all three games for the Blues during the current campaign.

This will be the first time that Deeney has come up against Watford since his departure from Vicarage Road, so it will be interesting to see just what he is able to do up against the club he served for so long with such distinction, particularly if he is able to get on the scoresheet.

Can Watford hit the top?

Following their relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season, Watford are among the favourites for promotion, and this presents an opportunity for the Hornets to lay down another marker.

With league leaders Blackburn not in action until Wednesday night, victory over Birmingham could see the Edwards' side return to the top of the Championship table for the time being at least.

While it is still way too early in the season for things to be decided, points on the board are always vital, and being in such a position is only going to serve to lift the mood and confidence around a club, meaning this could still be a very important chance for Watford to try and take.