Ged Scott
BBC Sport at The Hawthorns

As to just how expectant Albion boss Carlos Corberan feels today about his team's on-field chances, well, Albion have lost all of their last four meetings with Blues, including last season's Scott Hogan-inspired 3-2 home loss - one of Steve Bruce's final games in charge, a month before the Spaniard took over.

Having also lost 1-0 at St Andrew's under Bruce to a Lyle Taylor penalty five months earlier in April 2022, Albion then lost to Blues for a third time in a row back in February 2023 when goals from on-loan Hannibal Mejbri and Krystian Bielik earned their hosts a 2-0 win.

And then Blues boss John Eustace made it three derby wins out of three when his side came from behind to an early John Swift strike to beat Albion 3-1 in early October.

Juninho Bacuna's equalising penalty, former Wolves defender Dion Sanderson's late first-half header and substitute Gary Gardner's curled late free-kick, only five minutes after coming on, added up to a euphoric night at St Andrew's.

Image source, Getty Images

Yet, just three days later, Blues' American owners sacked Eustace, brought in Wayne Rooney on a ticket of "no-fear football". And it was only when they began to fear relegation three months later and sacked Rooney after just two wins in 14 games that they turned to Tony Mowbray.

Albion fans know all about Mowbray. After coming in as successor to Baggies legend Bryan Robson in October 2006, he led Albion to the Championship play-offs, then took them up as champions a year later. And, although they came straight back down, after which he left to take over Celtic in June 2009, he remains popular wherever he has been - a reliable old pair of hands whose teams play nice football and he has so far picked up four points from his two league games in charge of Blues.

Blues may be 15 places adrift of Albion - but, in terms of points, it is only a 13-point margin. And, with new men on parade for both clubs this afternoon, it really is very hard to know just what to expect.

Ged Scott
BBC Sport at The Hawthorns

In what were already really quite stressful times at The Hawthorns, it has been really quite a stressful week.

Today's second Midlands derby in seven days pitches Albion against Birmingham City, following on from last Sunday's horribly ugly Black Country derby defeat by Wolves.

Although watched by the vast majority there present with typically good Black Country humour, it ended up being badly tinged by the disgraceful spectacle of second-half fighting in the Halfords Lane Stand - a 34-minute delay, six arrests and repercussions to come from an ongoing inquiry. Not the sort of throwback to the 1970s and 1980s that some older fans wistfully long for.

Image source, Rex Features

On top of that, it has also been transfer deadline week. Loved by some, particularly soccer agents; loathed by most. Especially bosses like Albion's Carlos Corberan, who knows half the battle is keeping hold of his most sellable assets, as much as trying to improve his squad for a final push on to promotion.

But, for Corberan himself, as an expectant father, awating the imminent birth of a second son, there had been even more to deal with, as deadline day was also his wife's due day.

He was in relaxed good humour when asked at Friday's pre-match press conference by BBC Radio WM's Steve Hermon which he had been concentrating on most on Thursday - deadline day or due date?

"If I'm being honest," said Corberan, with half a grin and a knowing look "and my wife is not listening... then you already have your answer!"

At least it's not something Corberan has to worry about today. Young Dario arrived safely last night, a baby brother for Marcos.

Image source, PA Media

Huddersfield take on Sheffield Wednesday in a Yorkshire battle at the bottom of the Championship table today, with what should have been Darren Moore's reunion with the Owls.

But his time at the helm at Huddersfield was cut short earlier this week after Moore and the struggling Terriers parted ways.

Moore, who led Wednesday to promotion from League One last term, lasted just 23 games in charge at Huddersfield.

It's fair to say his tenure wasn't too successful. During his stint only Rotherham won fewer games than Huddersfield and Moore oversaw 11 draws in that time frame - more than any other team in the league.

Image source, PA Media

With Norwich and Coventry both hovering around the Championship play-off picture, how important will today be for their promotion hopes?

Coventry make the trip to Carrow Road today having won three away league games on the trot, but they have won on just two occasions on their travels against Norwich.

Norwich have strung together a decent run of form on home ground of late and are unbeaten in their past six games at home.

Victory for the hosts today could put Norwich around seventh. Quite a contrast to their fortunes not so long ago.

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City haven't won at home in their past seven games... so it's probably fair to say that Championship leaders Leicester, who have won 10 of their 14 games on the road this season, are not an ideal side to roll up on your doorstep on this fine February day.

The Potters come into this game after successive defeats by Birmingham and Stoke, and are precariously only three places and seven points above the relegation spots.

Enzo Maresca's Foxes, however, have simply been fantastic. Their win against Swansea during the week had their 10 points clear at the summit once more.

That gap was reduced last night by Leeds, but it's 'potato, potahto' sort of stuff with the way they are travelling at the minute.

Image source, Rex Features

Preston face Ipswich today still in the play-off picture despite their inconsistent form of late - having race out of the blocks at the start of this season.

The Lilywhites have won just five times since opening the season with six wins from seven in the Championship - with one of their 12 losses since that point coming in the last meeting with Ipswich.

The visitors aren't in the best of form themselves and have slipped to third in the Championship table, but have two games in hand on second-placed Leeds.

Kieran McKenna's side have won just two of their past nine matches in all competitions and lost to sixth-tier Maidstone United in the FA Cup last week.

Time for both teams to get back on track?

Image source, PA Media

This is a meeting of two teams with very contrasting fortunes, with struggling Rotherham hoping to pull off an upset against Southampton.

The Saints are one of the form sides in the Championship at the minute, having built up a 20-game unbeaten run in the league.

That's already impressive before you even get to the fact it's the longest ever unbeaten league run in their history.

Rotherham, on the other hand, have won just four of their past 38 games, with December's win against Middlesbrough their only win in their past 17.

Ominous.

All matches get going at 15:00 GMT:

• Blackburn Rovers v Queens Park Rangers
• Huddersfield Town v Sheffield Wednesday
• Hull City v Millwall
• Norwich City v Coventry City
• Preston North End v Ipswich Town
• Rotherham United v Southampton
• Stoke City v Leicester City
• Swansea City v Plymouth Argyle
• Watford v Cardiff City
• West Bromwich Albion v Birmingham City

Image source, Getty Images

The transfer window is shut and the real work now begins as the season slowly works to its crescendo.

Leeds moved second last night with victory at Bristol City and we can expect more movement up and down the table this afternoon.

Just the small matter of 10 fixtures in the Championship today to sink our teeth into.

Let's get into it.