Birmingham City begin life after Harry Redknapp this weekend when they take on Derby County in the Sky Bet Championship.

Lee Carsley, placed in caretaker charge following Redknapp’s departure, takes Birmingham across to Derby on the back of a five game losing streak in the Championship, which has seen the Blues slip down to 23^rd in the table with just four points.

Derby have made a slightly stronger start to the 2017/18 campaign, and after their first seven fixtures of the season, the Rams have managed to pick up a respectable 10 points, but there is still a feeling that Rowett is yet to find the consistency required at Pride Park.

The Rams have struggled to put together a consistent run of results so far this season, which has been highlighted in their last three Championship outings.

Rowett’s side put in a commanding display against Hull City two weeks ago, beating the Tigers 5-0, but that result has been sandwiched between two disappointing defeats to Sheffield United (3-1) and Bristol City (4-1).

Rowett is coming up against his former club this weekend, and it is safe to say they have seriously declined since his departure last year.

Carsley has a mammoth task of turning things around at St Andrew’s, with Birmingham in a worrying run of form, with their most recent defeat coming against Preston North End.

Playing away from home this week will undoubtedly suit Birmingham, and as is usually the case when a new manager is brought in, we can expect a reaction.

Derby will be confident of picking up three points, but Carsley will have his Birmingham side set up looking for a result.

Score Prediction: Derby County 1 – 1 Birmingham City