Chris Davies says he is "definitely excited" by Birmingham City's recent surge, and the numbers back him up. Ten points from a possible 12 across their last four Championship fixtures have lifted Blues to fourth in the table, a position that would have looked improbable just a fortnight ago.

A slow start, then a shift in momentum

The early weeks of the season were uncomfortable viewing for supporters of the American-owned club. Birmingham won just one of their first six league games and failed to take three points from any of their home matches, drawing four in succession at St Andrew's. Davies, speaking to BBC Radio WM, pushed back against the alarm at the time, insisting those draws could all have gone the other way and that the fixture list had been particularly demanding. That argument looked difficult to sustain then. It looks rather more credible now.

The turning point, at least in terms of visible results, came after the international break. A derby win at West Bromwich Albion's Hawthorns ground was followed by a four-goal midweek victory over a Preston North End side who occupy the foot of the division. Blues, who now have 17 points from 11 games, have lost just once in the league so far.

"We've looked like a really good team this season," Davies told BBC Radio WM. "We've looked strong, we've looked competitive and we've looked together. We can play and we can do the fighting. There was a different feeling on Tuesday night. But if we're to do something special this season, we need a group of players who are going to be committed. It's a marathon. And we've only just got off the start line really."

The Priske factor and Stansfield's new role

Much of the optimism surrounds the form of August Priske, a forward Davies described in terms that will raise a knowing smile among supporters who have watched a certain type of centre-forward go in and out of fashion. "He's an old-fashioned number nine who's come back into fashion," Davies said. "He's made a bit of a statement this week, he's starting to develop into a real handful and he'll hopefully continue to take it in his stride." Priske scored three goals across the two most recent fixtures.

Jay Stansfield, meanwhile, has been shifted to a number ten role and Davies is content with what that arrangement is producing, even if the goals are not following Stansfield quite as readily. "He's looking much better in his link-up play," Davies noted, in language that suggests patience rather than pressure on the player.

Saturday's test: QPR arrive with their own unbeaten away record

The next fixture will test whether Birmingham's form is genuine or a product of favourable match-ups. Queens Park Rangers, who sit fifth, arrive at St Andrew's on Saturday having lost just once themselves, amassing the same 17 points from their 10 outings. The visitors come with an unbeaten away record in the league this season; Blues bring an unbeaten home record. Fourth against fifth, with bragging rights over more than just a place in the table.

Davies has already begun his homework. "They've changed from last year, more of a 4-3-3 than a 4-4-2," he said. "From what I've seen, they're playing the sort of attacking shape that nobody else has played against us. They were big and strong physically when we played them last season but they have some quality players and will be a threat on the break. They'll look to come and play and put us on the back foot."

The broader context is worth keeping in mind. Davies was subject to outside speculation about his future both in the summer and again when the early results came in. That is the reality of working for an ambitious ownership group. The question now is whether a side that has climbed to fourth with the promotion places still very much in play can hold their nerve across the remainder of a long season. Davies, at least, sounds like a man who believes they can.

Frequently asked

Where are Birmingham City in the Championship table?
Birmingham City are fourth in the Championship table, having picked up 17 points from 11 games, with just one defeat so far this season.
Who is Birmingham City's manager?
Chris Davies is the Birmingham City manager. He took charge at the end of the 2023-24 season, won promotion back to the Championship at the first attempt, and has now guided the club to fourth in the second tier.
When is Birmingham City's next Championship match?
Birmingham City host Queens Park Rangers on Saturday in a fourth-versus-fifth clash, with both clubs boasting just one league defeat apiece this season.