The Championship is back on Friday night and it promises to be a cracker as Birmingham City host West Brom in what should be a feisty West Midlands derby.

Even though it's not the big derby for either side, it should still have an edge to the game and both need points for different reasons.

Blues are without a win this season and Garry Monk's men could be hit with a 12-point deduction in the coming months, so they need to improve as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the Baggies have top-two ambitions, but they know they need to find a consistency if they are to be able to compete for automatic promotion.

And, Sky Sports pundit David Prutton thinks they will make it four wins in five, predicting a 2-0 Albion victory in his regular online column for Sky Sports.

As well as that, he thinks that Dwight Gayle will maintain his fine recent form, backing the on loan Newcastle striker to open the scoring.

Gayle has been excellent since joining the Baggies, scoring three goals in five games, including a brace against Stoke before the international break.

The Verdict

There won't be many neutrals who disagree with Prutton's prediction here, as Blues are without a win and Albion look strong.

However, it won't be an easy game as St. Andrew's has been a hard place for sides to visit since Garry Monk took over.

Ultimately though, there's no doubt that recently relegated West Brom have more quality over the pitch and that should tell.

Thoughts, Blues and Albion fans? What will the score be? Let us know in the comments below.

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