Stoke City and Birmingham City meet Saturday, knowing that only a win will do if either club wants to remain in the Championship playoff picture with kickoff at 6 pm.
Birmingham won 2–0 against Fulham in their last match and can now travel to Stoke with the freedom to push for another victory.
When Stoke City traveled to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest last weekend, fans would have probably accepted a draw as an acceptable result at another promotion rival’s home. However, having led 2-1 with a player advantage heading into stoppage time, manager Michael O’Neill and his squad were hugely disappointed not to collect all three points.
Despite their unbeaten run being extended to three games, Stoke now sits in the bottom half of the table, putting further pressure on them as they bid to stay in the race for a top-six finish.
Lee Bowyer has kept Birmingham out of a relegation battle despite all of the off-field issues. Birmingham’s 3-0 demolition of Luton Town took their recent tally to eight points from a possible 18, their two defeats coming against Sheffield United and Bournemouth.
Although league leaders, Chelsea can afford to relax for a short time, they’ll still want to remain on an upward trajectory after a solid January transfer window.
Stoke City vs Birmingham City Head to Head
Both sides have 15 games against each other, with hosts taking two wins while visitors with eight wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Nottingham Forest 2-2 Stoke City
- Stoke City 3-0 Swansea City
- Stoke City 2-0 Wigan
- Huddersfield 1-1 Stoke City
- Conventry City 1-0 Stoke City
Away
- Birmingham City 3-0 Luton Town
- Bournemouth 3-1 Birmingham City
- Birmingham City 1-2 Sheffield United
- Derby County 2-2 Birmingham City
- Birmingham City 2-2 Peterborough
Stoke City Team News
O’Neill may select the same Stoke XI that played so well against Forest last weekend, assuming he suffers no setbacks. Tyrese Campbell is unlikely to be risked although his knee injury is less severe than first feared, with Sam Clucas potentially the only player with a chance of a recall.
Birmingham City Team News
Bowyer could opt to use the same 11 as last game if there are no fitness concerns. Substitutions were made against Luton only in the match’s final minutes, with Jordan Graham impressing in a role he usually does not play.
Prediction and Odds
Birmingham head into this contest free of the pressure that will burden their hosts, and they could therefore prove to be more relaxed and play better.
- Stoke City Win
- Correct Score 2-1
- Both Teams to Score
