David Prutton predicts West Brom vs Birmingham City ahead of derby clash

David Prutton’s prediction is in for the Birmingham derby between West Brom and Birmingham City on Wednesday night.

It has been a below par start to the season for both clubs so far, with West Brom currently 16th and Blues currently 21st.

Blues aren’t expected to pull up any trees in the way of promotion this season, but the Baggies are expected to make a playoff run.

Steve Bruce’s men have drawn too many so far, drawing their last three and four of their last five leading up to last weekend’s postponed clash with Coventry City.

City, meanwhile, picked up a big win over Preston last time out, but that result followed three consecutive defeats against Wigan, Rotherham and Norwich.

That has left John Eustace’s men sitting on the edge of the relegation zone.

The All-Birmingham clash at The Hawthorns on Wednesday night should prove to be an interesting affair as both teams look to go into the international break on a high note.

And Sky Sports pundit Prutton has submitted his predictions ahead of the clash.

Prutton backed a 1-0 win for West Brom despite acknowledging City’s win last time out.

“It has been a case of too many draws in games they ought to have won for West Brom, and that is why they are languishing in the bottom half of the table,” he wrote.

“Birmingham got an important win at Preston last time out to arrest a real slump in form ahead of a trip to their near neighbours. It could be a bit of a grind here, but I think the Baggies will sneak it.”

Four points current separate West Brom from the playoffs in the premature Championship table, while Blues will want to put distance between themselves at the bottom three, currently only goal difference above Cardiff in 22nd.