Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Seeking a much-welcomed Championship boost on Boxing Day, Birmingham will welcome Derby to St. Andrew’s.
Birmingham City
Starting with the hosts, while Birmingham might have only made their Championship return this season, it is no secret that the Blues opened up the 2025/26 campaign with their sights firmly set on mounting a genuine play-off charge. However, despite enjoying what was an eye-catching flurry on either side of November’s international break, Chris Davies’ men have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Last seen putting in a nightmare display as they slumped to a 3-0 drumming away at Sheffield United, Birmingham have collected just one-point from any of their previous four consecutive Championship appearances. In fact, despite getting December underway with a 2-1 win against Watford, that is the only victory that Davies’ camp have recorded over the past month. Nevertheless, despite scarfing their spot in the top-half of the Championship standings, they have continued to shine on home soil. In fact, Friday’s hosts have registered 13 points from their last five showdowns at St. Andrew’s.
Birmingham City Team News
Shown a first-half red card away at Bramall Lane last time out, Wolves loanee Thomas Doyle will miss out through suspension on Boxing Day. Set to feature for Nigeria at the 2026 AFCON, former Fenerbahce ace Bright Osayi-Samuel will not feature here.
Completing a record-breaking move from Fulham last year, Jay Stansfield will lead the line on Friday afternoon and be looking to bag a ninth Championship strike of the season. Setting for a spot on the bench last weekend, Sunderland loanee Patrick Roberts could be handed a full recall.
Derby County
As for the visitors, spending the whole of last season scrapping it out at the foot of the Championship table and at the heart of another relegation scrap, Derby were simply hoping for smoother sailing this time around. Despite missing out on what they had billed as a potential opportunity last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against Portsmouth, the Rams should find the mood in their camp at a continued high. Still sat in the top-half of the Championship standings, they are also within touching distance of finding a shock route into the play-off places. Last seen on their travels cruising their way to a routine 3-0 victory against Sheffield Wednesday, John Eustace’s men have also gained a reputation for their remarkable success on the road. Including a pair of 2-1 wins against Swansea and Blackburn last month, Friday’s guests have won four of their previous five showdowns away from Pride Park and they are more than capable of asking some serious questions.
Derby County Team News
Not featuring over the past month and still dealing with an ankle issue, former Luton striker Carlton Morris remains a major doubt on Boxing Day. Likewise, struggling to find his feet since completing a summer switch from Strum Graz, Scottish youngster Max Johnston remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Arriving at Pride Park on a free transfer back in August, one-time Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster will be hoping to keep his spot leading the line. Completing a season-long loan switch from Salzburg, Bobby Clark will start in the middle of the park.
Birmingham City vs Derby County Key Factors to Consider
- When Birmingham and Derby last met for a Championship showdown back in January 2022, Friday’s opponents played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Pride Park.
- The Blues have registered 13 points from their previous five Championship appearances at St. Andrew’s.
- Derby have won four of their last five showdowns away from Pride Park.
- Birmingham’s last seven matchups at St. Andrew’s have produced 27 goals at both ends of the pitch.
- Eight of the last nine meetings between Birmingham and Derby have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
With Friday’s opponents playing out a 2-2 draw when they last met for a Championship showdown back in January 2022, neutrals will be hoping for a festive thriller from St. Andrew’s. In a contest that tends to produce plenty of fireworks, Birmingham have also gained a reputation for their lively outcomes on home soil. With the Boxing Day hosts seeing their last seven matchups at St. Andrew’s produce 27 goals at both ends of the pitch, chances could come thick and fast.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet