Prediction: Birmingham City vs Derby County – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
On Boxing Day, Birmingham will be seeking a much-needed boost in the Championship as they host Derby at St. Andrew’s.
Birmingham City
Focusing first on the home side, despite only returning to the Championship this season, it’s clear that the Blues started the 2025/26 campaign with ambitions of launching a serious play-off challenge. However, after a captivating spell around November’s international break, Chris Davies’ squad has faced a troubling decline. Last seen suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat away to Sheffield United, Birmingham has managed to earn just one point from their last four Championship fixtures. Indeed, aside from their 2-1 victory against Watford at the beginning of December, this is the sole win Davies’ men have achieved over the past month. Meanwhile, while they have firmly established themselves in the top half of the Championship standings, they continue to impress at home. In fact, the hosts have gathered 13 points from their last five encounters at St. Andrew’s.
Birmingham City Team News
After receiving a first-half red card away at Bramall Lane last time, Wolves loanee Thomas Doyle will be sidelined due to suspension come Boxing Day. Also absent will be Bright Osayi-Samuel, a former Fenerbahce star set to compete for Nigeria at the 2026 AFCON.
Making a record-setting transfer from Fulham last year, Jay Stansfield will spearhead the attack on Friday afternoon, aiming for his ninth Championship goal of the season. Having settled for a place on the bench last weekend, Sunderland loanee Patrick Roberts may be given a full recall.
Derby County
Turning to the visitors, after spending the entire previous season battling at the bottom of the Championship table and engaged in another relegation fight, Derby hoped for a more favorable season this time. Despite missing what they considered a key opportunity last weekend by settling for a 1-1 draw at home against Portsmouth, the Rams should maintain positive spirits. Remaining in the upper half of the Championship standings, they are also close to making a surprising push for a play-off spot. Recently, they secured a straightforward 3-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday on the road, reminding everyone of John Eustace’s squad’s strong form away from home. With two 2-1 victories against Swansea and Blackburn last month, Derby has triumphed in four of their last five away matches and can certainly pose significant challenges.
Derby County Team News
Sidelined for a month and still dealing with an ankle injury, former Luton striker Carlton Morris is a significant doubt for Boxing Day. Additionally, Scottish youngster Max Johnston, struggling to settle in after his summer move from Strum Graz, is still recovering from a hamstring injury.
Acquired by Pride Park on a free transfer last August, former Liverpool youth player Rhian Brewster aims to retain his role at the front. Bobby Clark, who completed a season-long loan from Salzburg, will start in the midfield.
Birmingham City vs Derby County Key Factors to Consider
In their last encounter during a Championship clash back in January 2022, Birmingham and Derby played to an exciting 2-2 draw at Pride Park.
The Blues have amassed 13 points from their last five Championship matches at St. Andrew’s.
Derby has achieved victory in four of their last five away matches from Pride Park.
Birmingham’s last seven games at St. Andrew’s have yielded a total of 27 goals at both ends.
Eight of the last nine contests between Birmingham and Derby have concluded with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
With Friday’s opponents previously playing to a 2-2 draw in their last Championship matchup back in January 2022, spectators will be anticipating an exhilarating game at St. Andrew’s. This fixture tends to produce a great deal of excitement, and Birmingham has developed a reputation for delivering thrilling matches on home ground. With the hosts observing 27 goals scored in their last seven matches at St. Andrew’s, opportunities for scoring are likely to be plentiful.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Published: 2025-12-23 12:30:00
source: www.soccernews.com
