This time last season, Chris Hughton was in charge of a Newcastle side that had been freshly promoted to the Premier League. While he’s had to drop down a division to find a new club, Hughton has also led Birmingham into the Europa League this term and they are doing rather well.

The Championship side top Group H after three games which have seen them claim away wins at Maribor and Club Brugge, with the Blues coming from behind to win in Belgium two weeks ago.

They will now look to beat the same team at St Andrews on Thursday night, with bet365 (£200 free bets) making them warm favourites at 5/4 to claim another three points and take a big step towards the last 32 stage.

Birmingham’s presence in the Championship means that they have a huge fixture list this term, although there has been some tremendous performances from the team in Europe and Chris Wood has proven to be an inspired loan signing.

The West Brom striker is 6/1 (Paddy Power – £100 free betting) to open the scoring and must be enjoying himself while his Baggies team-mates simply play domestic football every other week.

Brugge began their group campaign with a win over Maribor and then a surprise victory away to Braga, odds of 21/10 available that the visitors take advantage of some potentially tired legs in the City camp.