Having gone into the international break on a four-match unbeaten streak, there is no doubt that West Brom have started to improve considerably under the guidance of Steve Bruce.
A total of eight points have been recorded during that period, the latest of those coming from a 2-2 draw at Bristol City in a game when the Baggies were behind on two occasions.
The stalemate has done little for the club’s prospects of reaching the playoffs – they remain seven points adrift of sixth position – but there is growing momentum at The Hawthorns ahead of the run-in.
Most importantly, Bruce is finally seeing his side score goals, seven being netted in 360 minutes after a previous run of just one strike in seven outings.
West Brom end the campaign with five home games during their final seven fixtures, theoretically giving them a huge advantage, but they still must claim maximum points from games such as the derby showdown at the weekend.
Lee Bowyer has endured somewhat of a turbulent first full campaign at Birmingham, his team battling to remain out of a relegation battle since the turn of the year.
However, while there are several reasons why Bowyer and his team will come in for criticism, they have kept their points tally ticking over to sit 14 points clear of the bottom three.
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All things considered, Blues are probably already safe in the Championship for another year, but Bowyer will want to build on the improvements of the past month.
Five points came from games against Bristol City, Hull City and Swansea City, their only defeat during that period coming at home to promotion-chasing Middlesbrough.
Nevertheless, Birmingham have not troubled the scoresheet for 347 minutes, something which may need to change in order to earn at least a point on Sunday
