West Bromwich Albion cannot afford another insipid performance in a local derby. That much is clear. Conor Townsend described last weekend's 1-0 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers as the Baggies' worst display of the season, and now, barely a fortnight later, the second tier's most congested regional rivalry brings Birmingham City to The Hawthorns on Saturday lunchtime (12:30 BST).

What is at stake in the table

According to the BBC's preview of the weekend's EFL action, West Brom currently sit fifth in the Championship, three points clear of Birmingham in tenth. That gap sounds comfortable; it is not. A Blues victory would see them leapfrog Albion on goal difference or points, depending on how other results fall. West Brom have now allowed two successive West Midlands rivals to use them as a stepping stone. They cannot let it become a habit.

That context matters. Fifth place is inside the play-off positions, but it is a long way from secure. At this stage of the season, a run of three or four poor results can turn a top-six side into a mid-table one before a manager has had chance to change training-ground routines. Albion's supporters will not need reminding of that.

Birmingham's own calculation

For Birmingham, the prize is equally tangible. A win takes them above their rivals and into the top half, possibly within touching distance of the play-off places. Blues have already been noted for their tendency to draw matches this season, a pattern that has prompted debate about whether dropped points are earning them a platform or costing them momentum. A derby win, on the road, would answer that question more forcefully than any data point.

History, though, urges caution on both sides. Last season's two Championship meetings between these clubs both finished 1-0 to the respective home side in league terms, with only a goal separating them each time. No fireworks, no routs; tight, attritional contests between two sides who know each other well and respect each other just enough to stay disciplined. There is no particular reason Saturday will be different.

Albion's credibility on the line

The more pressing narrative belongs to West Brom. Back-to-back derby defeats would raise serious questions about their ability to perform when the stakes are highest, which is precisely the quality a side needs in abundance if it harbours genuine promotion ambitions. Fifth place in October is a decent foundation; it is not a destination. The clubs above them will be watching to see whether Albion buckle again.

It is worth being clear-eyed here. A single positive result after a chastening derby loss would be encouraging but not conclusive. Four-game good runs have a way of flattering sides in this division, only for a colder run of fixtures to expose the same underlying problems. What Albion need is a performance to go with any result; something that suggests the Wolves defeat was an aberration rather than a forecast.

Preston's struggles add Championship colour

Elsewhere in the second tier this weekend, newly appointed Preston North End manager Graham Alexander begins his tenure at Deepdale with the Lilywhites propped off the bottom of the Championship table by goal difference alone. Preston have managed just a single win all season. Alexander is a club legend, having made 410 appearances as a player and served as captain, but affection will only take a squad so far. Results are needed quickly; the gap between Preston and safety will not close on nostalgia alone.

The Championship table in mid-October rarely lies, but it does exaggerate. For West Brom and Birmingham, Saturday's derby is a chance to assert something meaningful about their respective seasons. For Preston, every fixture from here is a potential four-pointer. None of these clubs can afford to treat October as a dress rehearsal.

Frequently asked

What time does West Brom vs Birmingham City kick off on Saturday?
The match kicks off at 12:30 BST on Saturday at The Hawthorns.
Where are West Brom and Birmingham City in the Championship table?
West Brom are currently fifth, with Birmingham three points behind them in tenth. A Birmingham win would see Blues leapfrog Albion.
How has Graham Alexander's Preston North End started the Championship season?
Very poorly. Preston are kept off the foot of the Championship table only by goal difference, with just one win from their opening fixtures.