A third spot in the Championship remains open this week as Birmingham City play host to Derby County. The match schedules for Friday at the St. Andrew’s Trillion Trophy Stadium, with kickoff at 10 pm.
The Rams had a tough start to their campaign with only one win so far. On the other hand, the Blues only have one loss in their start with their last clash a 1-1 draw to Barnsley.
Birmingham manager Lee Bowyer would have accepted the eighth position ahead of the international break without hesitation.
Despite having scored the bulk of their goals in one match, there are signs that this Birmingham squad has more to offer.
After several years in the basement, emerging as contenders for promotion would be regarded as a bonus. Now one of many teams that have the potential to feature in the playoff races, this is exciting news for the Blues.
Birmingham City will need to find more consistency in the final third, an issue that was not resolved by adding Troy Deeney.
Wayne Rooney is pleased with the team’s ongoing work during August, as they’ve been working hard despite their turbulent period off of the pitch.
After a late goal in Peterborough and Nottingham, the Blues have six points from five games which is respectable.
While Rooney knows that staying away from the relegation zone is his main aim for right now, progress can be made up the table if he continues to see improvement in an ageing backline.
Birmingham City vs Derby County Head to Head
Both sides have 26 games against each other, with Birmingham City takes seven wins while Derby County has ten wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Barnsley 1-1 Birmingham City
- Birmingham City 0-2 Fulham
- Luton Town 0-5 Birmingham City
- Birmingham City 0-2 Bournemouth
- Birmingham City 0-0 Stoke City
Away
- Derby County 1-1 Nottingham Forest
- Sheffield United 2-1 Derby County
- Derby County 0-0 Middlesbrough
- Hull City 0-1 Derby County
- Petersborough 2-1 Derby County
Birmingham City Team News
Given the situation in attack for the Blues, new signing Troy Deeney sets to lead the attacking line. Bowley is less likely to make any changes to the starting lineup that registered a draw to Barnsley.
Derby County Team News
After needing an injection to get through the previous fixture, Tom Lawrence sets to miss out on this clash. Festy Ebosele will operate on the right flank possibly.
Prediction and Odds
We do not expect a goal galore this week, given the goal dry for both sides so far in the Championship.
- Birmingham City Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- Deeney to Score
