Birmingham vs Derby: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Coral's detailed preview for Birmingham vs Derby in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 12:30 GMT match.

• Fixture: Birmingham vs Derby
• Date: Friday, 26 December 2025
• Kick-off: 12:30 GMT
• Venue: St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park

Birmingham will be looking to bounce back from a string of disappointing results, with their last victory coming against Watford at home. The predicted 4-2-3-1 formation suggests a balanced approach, with Paik and Doyle anchoring the midfield, allowing the likes of Willumsson and Gray to push forward and support Stansfield up top. However, their recent form, particularly the heavy defeat to Sheffield Utd, might affect their confidence going into this match.

Derby, on the other hand, have shown more consistency, with a recent win against Sheffield Wednesday and a draw against Portsmouth. Their 3-4-3 setup indicates an attacking mindset, with Ward and Elder providing width and support to the front three of Díaz, Brewster, and Agyemang. Given their better recent form and the attacking threat they pose, Derby might just have the edge in this encounter.

Birmingham's recent form has been far from ideal, with only one win in their last five matches. Their most recent outing resulted in a heavy 0-3 defeat away to Sheffield Utd, which could dent their confidence heading into this game. The draw against Charlton at home offers a glimmer of hope, but the three losses prior to that, including a 1-3 defeat to Southampton, suggest a team struggling to find consistency and momentum.

Recent Championship Results:

• Loss: 0-3 vs Sheffield Utd (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Charlton (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs QPR (A)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Southampton (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Watford (H)

Derby have shown more promise in their recent outings, securing a win and two draws in their last five matches. Their most recent result was a 1-1 draw against Portsmouth at home, which followed a convincing 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday away. Despite the losses to Leicester and Middlesbrough, Derby's form indicates a team capable of competing and potentially gaining the upper hand in this upcoming match.

Recent Championship Results:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Portsmouth (H)
• Win: 3-0 vs Sheffield Wednesday (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Millwall (H)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Leicester (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Middlesbrough (A)

The head-to-head record between Birmingham and Derby shows a competitive rivalry, with both teams having their moments of success. Birmingham secured a 2-0 victory in their most recent home game against Derby, but prior to that, Derby had a convincing 4-0 win at Birmingham's ground. The last five encounters have been closely contested, with three of them resulting in victories for the away side, suggesting that home advantage may not play a significant role in this upcoming match.

Recent Championship Results

• Derby 2-2 Birmingham (30 Jan 2022)

• Birmingham 2-0 Derby (10 Sep 2021)

• Derby 1-2 Birmingham (24 Apr 2021)

• Birmingham 0-4 Derby (29 Dec 2020)

• Birmingham 1-3 Derby (22 Jul 2020)

• Bright Osayi-Samuel (International Duty) - Out

• James Beadle (Ankle) - Out

• Ethan Laird (Hamstring) – Out

• Scott Wright (Knee) – Out

• Carlton Morris (Knee) – Out

• David Ozoh (Thigh) – Doubt

• Max Johnston (Hamstring) – Doubt

• Lewis Travis (Calf) – Doubt

• Owen Beck (Hamstring) - Out

• Predicted lineup: Allsop (GK), Iwata (DF), Neumann (DF), Klarer (DF), Robinson (DF), Doyle (MF), Paik (MF), Anderson (MF), Willumsson (MF), Gray (MF), Stansfield (AT)

Birmingham's predicted 4-2-3-1 formation suggests a focus on maintaining a solid defensive structure while allowing flexibility in attack. With Paik and Doyle in midfield, they can control the game's tempo and provide a platform for Willumsson, Gray, and Stansfield to exploit spaces and create scoring opportunities.

• Predicted lineup: Zetterström (GK), Clarke (DF), Sanderson (DF), Langås (DF), Ward (MF), Thompson (MF), Clark (MF), Elder (MF), Díaz (AT), Brewster (AT), Agyemang (AT)

Derby's anticipated 3-4-3 setup indicates an intent to dominate possession and press high up the pitch. The back three of Langås, Sanderson, and Clarke will provide defensive stability, while Ward and Elder on the wings will support the attacking trio of Díaz, Brewster, and Agyemang, aiming to overwhelm Birmingham's defence.

• Stansfield vs Langås: Stansfield's pace and movement will be tested against Langås's defensive solidity.

• Willumsson vs Clark: Willumsson's creativity in midfield will face a stern challenge from Clark's tenacity and ball-winning ability.

• Paik (Birmingham): Paik's role in dictating the tempo and breaking up play will be crucial for Birmingham's chances.

• Ward (Derby): Ward's ability to provide width and deliver quality crosses will be key to unlocking Birmingham's defence.

Birmingham vs Derby at 12:30 GMT on Friday, 26 December 2025 is being broadcast live for viewers in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Ultra HDR, and Sky Showcase

Coral is predicting that the score will be Birmingham 1-2 Derby in this match

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