Match Details
The match between Birmingham and Stoke City is scheduled to take place on December 26, 2023, at St Andrew’s Stadium. This Championship fixture offers an intriguing clash between two teams aiming for a positive result. The odds currently favor a close contest, with Birmingham having a slight edge at 2.68, while Stoke City follows closely behind at 2.61.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Birmingham and Stoke City have faced each other several times in the past. Their most recent encounter ended in a goalless draw earlier this season. Looking back further, their previous meetings have often produced exciting matches with goals aplenty. Both teams have managed to find the back of the net consistently, frequently resulting in three or more goals being scored.
Team Form: Birmingham
Birmingham’s recent form has been mixed, with one win, three losses, and two draws in their last six matches across all competitions. In terms of league performance, they currently sit in 18th position with 27 points from 23 games played. At home, they have been relatively strong this season, winning five out of their eleven matches and scoring an impressive total of 17 goals.
In their most recent match against Plymouth, Birmingham showed resilience by securing a hard-fought 3-3 draw away from home. Goals from Jay Stansfield (15′), Jordan James (39′), and Juninho Bacuna (62′) ensured that they earned a valuable point.
Team Form: Stoke City
Stoke City has struggled recently and failed to secure a victory in their last six matches across all competitions. With three draws and three defeats during this period, they are looking to turn things around as they currently occupy the 19th spot in the Championship table with only 24 points from their first 23 games.
Playing away from home has been particularly challenging for Stoke City, with just two wins in eleven matches and a goal difference of -6. In their most recent fixture against Millwall, they played out a goalless draw, unable to find the breakthrough despite creating several scoring opportunities.
Key Players
For Birmingham, Jay Stansfield has been an influential figure in attack. With five goals and one assist this season, he will be crucial in providing the team with a cutting edge up front. Juninho Bacuna has also impressed in midfield, contributing five goals and two assists so far.
Stoke City’s attacking threat comes from André Vidigal, who has found the net on five occasions this season. His ability to create chances and score goals makes him a player to watch out for. Joshua Laurent has also made his mark in midfield with two goals and two assists.
Statistical Insights
Birmingham’s recent form suggests that they have been able to score goals consistently but have struggled defensively. Their average of 1.33 goals scored per game indicates their attacking prowess, but they have conceded an average of 1.52 goals per game.
On the other hand, Stoke City’s struggles lie mainly in their inability to convert draws into wins. They have drawn six times already this season but need to start turning those draws into victories if they want to climb up the table.
Prediction: Birmingham 2-1 Stoke City
Based on current form and historical performances between these teams, it is expected that Birmingham will come out on top in this encounter with a narrow victory. However, Stoke City cannot be underestimated as they will be determined to bounce back from their recent winless run. Ultimately, it should be an entertaining match between two evenly matched sides.
