Birmingham vs Southampton Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Sujay DesaiModified: 11 Mar 2024 10:35 AM

Date: 2 March, Saturday

Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM (GMT)

Stadium: St.Andrew’s Park

Birmingham vs Southampton Preview:

Birmingham vs Southampton will kick-off on Saturday afternoon and is expected to be a high-octane affair. The boys from Birmingham will host 4th placed Southampton at St. Andrew’s Park in a bid to secure their first victory since the absence of coach Tony Mowbray due to illness. Apart from the 3-1 defeat against Ipswich Town last weekend, Birmingham have been in fine form securing three wins in their last 5 fixtures. However, defensively the squad has suffered a bit. They managed to keep only one clean sheet in their last 11 fixtures. Not a record one can boast about.

Meanwhile, Southampton enter the tie against Birmingham in a difficult moment. The Saints are fighting for promotion and have enjoyed a fantastic campaign till now. However, in the past few weeks they have fallen to two consecutive losses in the league. Currently placed 4th in the Championship, they shocked everybody last weekend as they lost 2-1 to 20th placed Millwall. With Birmingham ailing from the loss of their gaffer, Southampton will look to return to winning ways against them.

Also Read: Liverpool vs Southampton Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Birmingham vs Southampton Team News:

Birmingham:

After enjoying some good weeks, Birmingham fell to a 3-1 trashing by Ipswich Town away from home last weekend. The squad lacked cohesion and were disjointed for most of the game. The residents of St.Andrew’s Park will also have to improve defensively if they aspire to hold Southampton on the weekend.

Birmingham will be without the services of Geroge Hall who has missed nearly all of the season and is unlikely to return till March end. However, the club seems positive regarding his recovery as the youngster is finally back training with the squad. Alfie Chang will also remain on the sidelines for the game against Southampton with a long-term injury. Forward Alex Pritchard sustained a calf injury in early February and is unlikely to make his return in time for the tie against the Saints. The 30-year-old has been involved in 6 G+A for the club this season.

Southampton:

Southampton have been relatively drama free all season and will face Birmingham City will a healthy squad. Bar any injuries sustained midweek against Liverpool in the FA Cup on Wednesday, Southampton will arrive in Birmingham with a strong side.

The only absentees for Southampton on Saturday will be Ross Stweart and academy player Juan Larios. The two were joined by Ryan Fraser on the sidelines with a recent injury and he will be out for a month as well.

Predicted Lineups:

Birmingham City Expected XI:

John Ruddy (GK), Cody Drameh, Marc Roberts, Dion Saunderson (C), Ethan Laird, Andre Dozzell, Seung-Ho Paik, Koji Miyoshi, Tyler Roberts, Jordan James, Jay Stansfield

Southampton Predicted XI:

Gavin Bazunu (GK), Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jack Stephens (C), Jan Bednarek, Kyle Walker-Peters, Joe Aribo, Will Smallbone, Stuart Armstrong, Adam Armstrong, Samuel Edozie, Sekou Mara

Head-to-Head Record:

Since 1927, the two sides have met 49 times. While the Saints have won 21 games, Birmingham have too held their own and won 17 ties. 11 fixtures between the two clubs have ended in draws. In recent times, the two clubs have met only thrice in the last 15 years. Out of these ties, Southampton have emerged victorious twice, while one game ended in a draw. The two clubs faced-off earlier this season with the Saints comfortably winning the tie 3-1.

Last five results:

Southampton 3-1 Birmingham:- Championship – 28 October, 2023
Birmingham 0-0 Southampton:- Championship – 4 February, 2012
Southampton 4-1 Birmingham:- Championship – 18 September, 2011
Southampton 1-2 Birmingham:- League Cup – 25 August, 2009
Birmingham 1-0 Southampton:- Championship – 7 March, 2009

Prediction:

The Saints have enjoyed a strong season and are guaranteed to finish the season in a spot for the promotion play-offs. While their recent losses have highlighted some of the flaws in their system, they are strong enough to bounce back. A win against Liverpool in the FA Cup midweek might boost their confidence even further. On the other hand, Birmingham enter the contest in good form, but could struggle without Tony Mowbray in the dugout. If the fixture between the two sides earlier in the season is anything to go by, Birmingham vs Southampton will be a high-octane clash with both teams going all out to achieve 3 points. On paper, Southampton seem strong enough to handle Birmingham and win.

Predicted Score: Birmingham 1-2 Southampton