Big Match Breakdown: Birmingham v West Brom
Odds, tips and preview for Midlands derby
Friday night brings a huge Championship clash as Birmingham City host West Bromwich Albion.
A home win would take the Blues away from the relegation zone, while their Midlands rivals are looking to move towards the promotion spots.
You can catch the action live on Sky Sports Football at 7:45pm. But before it gets started, the Coral News Team have all the pre-match odds and info…
Head-to-Head
It’s been eight years since these two sides played in the same division. Their only meeting during that time came in a 2015 FA Cup tie. West Brom won 2-1 thanks to a Victor Anichebe brace.
The last 10 league clashes, going back to 2002-03 have produced four Blues win, three Baggies wins and three draws.
Likely XIs
Garry Monk doesn’t have any fresh injury concerns, which means he could name the same XI that drew 0-0 with Queens Park Rangers in Birmingham’s last outing.
That would mean Che Adams keeps his place up front. He hasn’t scored or set up a goal so far this season. He’ll need to deliver soon or Omar Bogle could take his spot.
West Brom could field an unchanged side too. They didn’t pick up any injuries, though Darren Moore may be tempted to include Gareth Barry’s experience. The veteran hasn’t started a league game so far this term.
Key Battles
Despite being the away side, West Brom are likely to take the initiative here. Birmingham haven’t won a game yet this season and will be low on confidence.
The Baggies are the highest-scoring side in the division so far with 15 goals. Their wide duo of Matt Phillips and Kieran Gibbs will provide plenty of service for Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez.
Where will the goals come from for the Blues? They’ve fired a blank in their last two home games. They’ll need to show more adventure if they’re going to get anything from this one.
Match Odds
West Brom are 11/8 favourites. Birmingham are 21/10 to get a much-needed win. The draw is 11/5.
Taking Brum’s recent struggles to score at home into account, it’s 14/5 for West Brom to Win to Nil.
The Blues have been drawing at home in each other their last three outings though. Draw/West Brom is going for 17/4 in the Half Time / Full Time market.
Rodriguez has scored four league goals already this term. He’s 16/5 to score in a West Brom win.
It’s 12/5 that Adams gets a long-awaited goal for Monk’s side.
Click here for the latest Birmingham v West Brom odds.
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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
