Championship weekend: Birmingham's rise, Parker's West Ham start and Preston's plight
A look at the key Championship storylines this weekend, from Birmingham City's promotion push under Chris Davies to Scott Parker's early days at West Ham and Graham Alexander's struggles at Preston.
Birmingham City's recent form has put them in contention near the top of the Championship, with a run of five wins from their past six games lifting Chris Davies' side to third. A win over Swansea City on Saturday could take them top. Davies, whose team beat Millwall 3-0 on Tuesday, said the league table is temporary but that the club has come a long way since relegation two-and-a-half years ago. Swansea arrive after a 4-0 win over Blackburn, a 5-0 loss to QPR and a 3-1 defeat at Portsmouth, leaving them out of the automatic promotion places.
West Ham United have had a turbulent week: a home defeat by West Bromwich Albion led to the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo and the appointment of Scott Parker, whose first match ended in a 3-3 draw at Cardiff City after the Hammers trailed 3-0. Parker, back at a club where he played for four years, pointed to his three previous promotions from the division and said he would use his experience to build consistency. West Ham visit Blackburn on Saturday.
Sheffield United sit ninth after four wins in six games, five points off the top two. Chris Wilder said he is not getting carried away and that the side is learning on the job after a win at Preston inspired by Sydie Peck. Charlton Athletic, by contrast, have lost four straight since starting the season with three wins and sit at the other end of the mood spectrum before hosting Sheffield United at The Valley.
Graham Alexander's Preston North End are nine points adrift with one draw from his six games in charge since taking over in late September. Alexander told BBC Radio Lancashire that the players are carrying baggage from the past and that it is his job to help them see the rest of the season as an opportunity. Southampton, who have taken seven points from their past nine on the road, visit Deepdale on Saturday.
West Bromwich Albion are in the top six under James Morrison, who was given the job permanently in April after steering the club clear of relegation. A five-game unbeaten run includes wins over Wrexham, Blackburn and West Ham. They host Millwall at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
Derby County host Bolton Wanderers on Friday to open the weekend's action.
Image: Shutterstock / BBC Sport
