Birmingham City and West Brom kick-off the weekend of Championship football, with the two West Midlands side meeting at St. Andrew's on Friday night.

Whilst not the most ferocious derby in the region, it's a game that could have some extra spice because of the local aspect. Plus, both sides need the points even at this early stage of the season.

For Garry Monk's Blues, they are seeking their first win of the season in what has been a frustrating start to the campaign, that could still be impacted by a 12 point deduction.

However, they've played well at times so will take encouragement from those performances, particularly at home where they haven't lost.

Meanwhile, Darren Moore will want to close the gap on the top two, with his talented squad beginning to show why many think they can win this league.

Here we look at the best combined XI between the sides, which is unsurprisingly dominated by Albion players in a 4-4-2 formation that the hosts often use...

The Baggies keeper showed during his time with Aston Villa that he is one of the best keepers in this league, whereas Lee Camp has seriously struggled.

The former Brentford man is a classy full-back. Capable defensively and strong going forward, he is a fine player at this level.

Albion surprised many when they managed to keep hold of Dawson despite serious Premier League interest.

He is an excellent defender and will seriously strengthen West Brom when he rediscovers his form.

The centre-back enjoyed a loan spell with Blues before and will relish his return to St. Andrew's. Another who has proven himself at this level over the years and will be key to Moore this season.

Just gets the nod over Harlee Dean who has impressed for Birmingham under Monk.

A straightforward choice as Gibbs is a player many thought would leave too. He is a great option for Albion with his pace to get forward and quality on the ball.

Phillips has impressed a lot this season for the Baggies, with great pace and power. Can be a matchwinner on his day with the quality he has.

The England international struggled last season, along with most of his teammates, but he is showing his class in the second-tier.

Kieftenbeld is very disciplined and does his job very well for Blues. He is aggressive, strong in the tackle and can keep the ball well.

The youngster is on-loan from Leicester and has been one of the standout performers this season, always looking to beat players and is contributing with goals and assists.

You could make a strong case to say Gayle is the best forward in the division and he has already shown his class, with his first goal against Stoke last time out particularly impressive.

Could easily end up as top scorer in the Championship.

Few clubs in the division boast a strikeforce with the quality of Albion, who can also call on former Southampton forward Rodriguez.

He has a fine all-round game and has been clinical in the first few weeks of the season.