Birmingham & West Brom pre-season games going ahead despite heatwave - latest updates

West Bromwich Albion’s friendly game away at Oxford United and Birmingham City’s Tuesday night double-header against Solihull Moors and Cheltenham Town respectively will all go ahead despite the sweltering conditions.

There was talk that matches taking place on Tuesday evening could be pushed back 24 hours due to safety of both players and supporters, however, the majority up and down the country, including Albion and Blues’ match-ups are scheduled as normal.

Temperatures could still be as high as 35 degrees when games get underway at 19:45 this evening and those attending are being urged to take extra care in the heat.

For Albion fans making the trip to Oxford, the U’s official Twitter states: “If you’re heading to the game tonight, make sure you keep yourself cool and drink plenty of water.”

Cheltenham have also urged both their own fans and fans of the Blues to bring their own bottles of water with them to the game this evening - something that isn’t allowed under normal circumstances.

The players themselves are expected to have a number of added water breaks on top of the usual half-time interval to keep them hydrated and healthy.

A handful of games lower down in the footballing pyramid have been postponed. Walthamstow have rescheduled their fixture due to heat but took the opportunity to joke on social media that their game had been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Matlock Town’s trip to Macclesfield has also been called off due to the ‘extreme weather forecast.’

Without telling you how to suck eggs - make sure you do look after yourself this evening and maybe swap that one extra shandy for an extra bottle of water!