The 2022/23 Championship fixtures were released today (June 23) and Birmingham City and West Brom can now start planning for their respective opening day games at the end of July.
Birmingham travel to Luton Town and will be hoping for a similar outcome to last year’s trip to Kenilworth Road which saw them thump the Hatters 5-0.
Albion on the other hand will head to the North East to take on one of the Championship’s fancied teams, Middlesbrough, in what is sure to provide an early marker for the season ahead.
The two Birmingham teams couldn’t be further apart in terms of expectation for the campaign ahead.
A constant cloud of uncertainty is leaving Blues fans fearing the worst whilst a Steve Bruce overhaul at the Hawthorns has Albion fans dreaming of a return to the Premier League.
That seems to be the case in the marketplace too, with many bookmakers tipping the complete opposite outcomes in relegation and promotion for the two.
Here’s the latest predicted table following the Championship fixture release and things have got even bleaker for the blue half of Birmingham.

1. Norwich City - 6/1
The Canaries are favourites to be promoted back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Photo: CameraSport - David Horton

2. Watford - 7/1
The bookies also think Watford's stay in the Championship will only be a temporary one. Photo: Richard Heathcote/NMC Pool/PA Wi

3. West Brom - 10/1
The Baggies have made some impressive summer signings under Steve Bruce. Photo: CameraSport - Kevin Barnes

4. Sheffield United - 10/1
The Blades will be aiming to go one better after losing in the play-off semi-finals last season. Photo: CameraSport - Rich Linley