Sky Sports pundit makes brave West Brom and Birmingham City predictions

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has outlined his bold predictions for Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion's first fixtures back after the November international break. Goodman, who is a Baggies icon himself, reckons his old team could be involved in the most exciting encounter of the entire weekend. Birmingham, meanwhile, are set for pastures new.

Starting with Albion, an incredibly tricky match against Championship title contenders Ipswich Town awaits. Three successive wins left West Brom in a great position a couple of weeks ago but a 2-1 defeat at Southampton interrupted the strong momentum. Ipswich have lost just once all season but Goodman predicts Albion will make it tricky.

"This will be a tough game for Ipswich, who have had a couple of draws recently against Birmingham and Rotherham," Goodman said. "This is a test. Away at The Hawthorns always is. These are two good teams, and this one will have plenty of goals. Ipswich are the top scorers in the league, but they do concede.

"They're a brilliant team and I'm not surprised that Ipswich are challenging for a play-off spot, but I'm surprised they're fighting for an automatic promotion spot. West Brom, meanwhile, are brilliant at set-pieces, difficult to play against, and unlucky to lose against Southampton. West Brom score plenty, and that's why I'm going for 2-2," Goodman concluded.

A single point claimed would probably be a good one for the Baggies all things considered but it's likely to keep them outside of the Championship top six for the time being. Birmingham, on the other hand, are desperate for all three as they're yet to win under Wayne Rooney.

It's been a disastrous start for the new manager, with defeats to Middlesbrough, Hull City, Southampton and Sunderland. The only point gained so far was against Ipswich, and even that match ended with disappointment due to a capitulation in the final 10 minutes. The game against Wednesday is a must-win and Goodman is feeling hopeful for Blues.

"Wayne Rooney is going to win a game at some point, and I think this will be the one," Goodman admitted. Danny Rohl has gone into Sheffield Wednesday in what I think is a brave appointment. It could pay dividends if they're patient in the long term. I don't know if that means survival this season as they only have six points. It's a bit now or never for them when it comes to picking up points.

"Birmingham's home form has been decent, aside from the loss to Middlesbrough and they did draw 2-2 with Ipswich. I may have gone for a different outcome had this game been at Hillsborough. I've gone for Birmingham to win this 2-1," Goodman continued.

Three points for Blues could see them rise from 18th to as high as the top half but a defeat could allow the likes of Plymouth Argyle and Coventry City to leapfrog them. Bluenoses will be desperately hoping Goodman's prediction is correct otherwise Rooney could come under severe pressure.