Birmingham v West Brom: Last season's derby double already forgotten says John Eustace

Krystian Bielik scored the second goal during Birmingham's win over West Brom at St Andrew's last season

Blues boss John Eustace says last season's derby double will be a distant memory when Birmingham host West Brom.

A 3-2 win at The Hawthorns last September was followed by a 2-0 home victory in February.

Just one point separate the fifth-placed Baggies to 14th in the Championship and both sides go into Friday's game after a midweek win.

"We enjoyed last year but it's a different season this year," Eustace told BBC Radio WM.

He added: "Friday night at St Andrew's, under the lights, live on TV - there is no better place to play football. I hope we can put on a good performance."

Carlos Corberan's Baggies are seven places ahead of their 12th-placed visitors, but will be leapfrogged by Eustace's side if they can follow up the 4-1 trouncing of Huddersfield in front of what is expected to be the biggest St Andrew's crowd in nearly four years.

"We've got a different team this year," Eustace added.

"The fans obviously enjoyed last year but it's a completely different challenge. It's important that we are competitive. The lads understand the size of the game. It should be a good spectacle."

Eustace acknowledged there is "a good feel about the place" since they were taken over in the summer but was wary about the qualities of Friday's opponents.

"I think (West Brom) have got a top six squad and a top six starting XI," he added.

"We have to be on our toes and be ready for a big game."

Baggies players 'know what it means'

After a 1-0 home win over bottom side Sheffield Wednesday, the Baggies' depleted attacking ranks are set to be boosted by the return of Grady Diangana, who was among the scorers on Albion's last win at St Andrew's in December 2019.

"We're very aware of what it means to the fans," Baggies midfielder Alex Mowatt told BBC Radio WM. "This is probably the game they look forward to the most.

"Both teams are doing well at the moment so I think it will be a really good game."

Corberan said he was also looking forward to the game, adding: "It's very nice when you play in a good atmosphere. This is what I desired when I was young - it is the dream of the players when they were young.

"I want our fans to be proud after the game."