The Championship returns following the extended international break this weekend and there are several eye-catching fixtures in a full programme of matches.
One game that jumps out straight away is the West Midlands derby between local rivals West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City.
The fixture is one of three lunchtime kick-offs in the second tier.
West Brom have had a great start to the season and currently sit in fifth position in the table.
Life under James Morrison doesn’t seem too bad for the Baggies.
Kicking on under Morrison
The 40-year-old helped steer the club to safety last season and has kicked on this campaign.
In eight games, the Hawthorns outfit have amassed 14 points in a steady start to the season; however, they did lose their last game narrowly against Wolves, going down 1-0.
Now seems like as good a time as any to face their local rivals and bounce right back.
Jimmy-Jay Morgan could prove vital with the youngster having six goal involvements in just eight outings.
The 20-year-old is highly rated by both fans and coaches alike.
Isaac Price will also be hoping to have an influence on the fixture; the 23-year-old is now a mainstay in the Albion team and he has hit the net four times.
Birmingham City sit in 10th position, but a win would take them level on points with their rivals and could be exactly what’s needed at this stage of the season.
Impressive draw with Boro
Chris Davies’ side managed an impressive 2-2 draw with third-placed Middlesbrough before the international break.
Liam Millar and Carlos Vicente could both prove to be crucial for Blues.
Vicente has hit the net twice, whilst Millar has scored once but he has three assists for his teammates.
Jay Stansfield and August Priske will be hoping to hit form soon after a struggling start to the season where the pair have just two league goals between them.
In eight matches, Birmingham goalkeeper James Beadle has just one clean sheet and has conceded 11 goals.
In the same number of outings, West Brom number one Max O’Leary has two clean sheets and has conceded eight goals.
The keepers could prove to be a factor in this one. It should be a good game but West Brom should be just too good for their local rivals.
Prediction: West Bromwich Albion 1 Birmingham City 0
By Rob Beezley
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