Birmingham vs Swansea prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-11-07 19:45.
Birmingham City’s steady ascension up the Championship table was given another boost over the weekend as they held out for a 2-1 win over Stoke, ensuring they have lost only once in their last seven league matches (W4, D2). Conceding only three goals in those seven games has been the driving force behind Birmingham’s turnaround in form, as they now own the league’s joint-best defence with only 16 goals conceded.
That means John Eustace’s men now find themselves in a mid-table slot ahead of their return to St. Andrew's Stadium, where the home faithful will be hoping the Blues can extend their current five-game unbeaten streak at home (W2, D3). An unbeaten ledger across their last four home fixtures against Swansea City (W2, D2) should give them high hopes of doing so.
Despite failing to win their last three Championship games (D2, L1) following their 2-2 draw against Wigan last round, a “frustrated” Russel Martin is choosing to remain optimistic, telling media and fans that Swansea City are “so close to being the team everyone wants us to be”. The Swans now occupy ninth spot in the table with 29 points, and will be hoping to fend off their hosts Birmingham who are just two points adrift.
Martin can at least be thankful for Swansea closing the round with more Championship points than any club but Burnley when conceding the opening goal (W2, D3, L6) after coming from behind against Wigan, but he has publicly pleaded with his players to cease “shooting ourselves in the foot” after conceding five half-time deficits in their last six Championship matches. They’ll need to rediscover some form on the road if that is to happen though, having failed to win their last three away matches (D1, L2) and scoring only once in that time.
Players to watch: Birmingham’s Scott Hogan will want to get his team off on the right foot and add to his two goals scored against Swansea, having netted the match opener in four of his six goalscoring outings this season. Swansea’s Michael Obafemi will look to return the favour after he scored in this exact fixture last season, while seven of his last ten league goals have come away from home.
Hot streak: Each of Birmingham’s last ten matches have seen the half-time result replicated come full-time.