West Brom vs Birmingham prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2024-02-02 15:00.
The first Black Country derby between West Brom and Wolves in front of fans since 2012 descended into chaos at the weekend, as violent clashes in the crowd made the headlines rather than the Baggies’ 2-0 defeat. Carlos Corberán’s side must now quickly park that disappointment as they resume their chase for a play-off spot, something they currently have a grasp of as they sit in fifth.
It’s a swift return to The Hawthorns here for another Midlands derby, with Birmingham City the visitors – a side West Brom have struggled against of late having lost the last four H2Hs. Stretching that losing run would leave them susceptible to dropping outside the top six – a position they haven’t found themselves in since late November.
It’s a return to familiar surroundings for Birmingham boss Tony Mobrway, who oversaw West Brom’s promotion to the Premier League in 2007/08. His targets for this season certainly aren’t that ambitious, with simply staying in the division the most realistic aim for a Birmingham side who sit just two places above the relegation zone, although they do hold a healthy seven-point cushion.
A 2-1 away win against Stoke in their last Championship outing certainly helped open up some breathing space to the chasing pack, but given you’d have to go back to October for the last time the Blues registered back-to-back wins, following that up here appears a tricky task. The first goal will likely play a big part in deciding whether they can or not, as Birmingham are one of just four Championship teams this season yet to claim an away point when conceding the opener.
Players to watch: West Brom’s Jed Wallace has been shown a yellow card in his last two appearances, but he may be in line for a more promising afternoon here given he scored a first-half goal in two of his last three personal home H2Hs. Juninho Bacuna is Birmingham's away day specialist, scoring in three of their last four away league games.
Hot stat: Birmingham have conceded after half-time in 11 of their last 12 Championship away games.