Championship weekend preview: West Brom v Birmingham as Saints meet Portsmouth
October 9, 2026 11:41
WHAT TO WATCH
West Brom v Birmingham (Sat, 12:30 BST)
Conor Townsend described West Brom’s 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers as their “worst performance of the season.” Albion return to The Hawthorns to face local rivals Birmingham City, who could move above them with victory. Last season the pair shared the points in both Championship meetings, each game finishing with just one goal apiece.
Southampton v Portsmouth (Sun, 12:00 BST)
Saints, who were expelled from last season’s Championship play-off final and docked four points this term over the Spygate scandal, host Portsmouth. The FA has handed Southampton boss Tonda Eckert a six-week suspended ban for his role in the controversy. Portsmouth arrive unbeaten in their last three matches.
Bolton v Stoke (Sat, 15:00 BST)
Steven Schumacher — who left Plymouth Argyle to join Stoke at the Bet365 Stadium in December 2023 and was later sacked after 32 games — is now back in the Championship after leading Bolton to promotion. Bolton have won their past two games and sit three points shy of the play-off places; they travel to face Stoke, who are five matches unbeaten (W4 D1). Former defender Luke Chambers praised Stoke’s manager Mark Robins in advance of the clash.
MANAGERIAL THREADS
The international break and the arrival of October have coincided with managerial movement. Robbie Savage was appointed Peterborough United boss on 2 October, while Graham Alexander was given the Preston North End job on 28 September. Alexander remains a popular figure at Deepdale after 410 appearances for the club and a spell as captain.
WHY THIS WEEKEND MATTERS
The fixtures offer immediate tests for teams trying to convert early-season form into consistent runs. Several matches feature local rivalry or managerial storylines that could affect confidence and standings as the league approaches the business end of the calendar.