Birmingham City
- Birmingham City are a team that should provide an interesting test for Derby on Friday as they prefer to have the ball and play a more high-tempo style.
- Chris Davies has brought a clear identity to the Blues since he took charge a few months ago with his preferred 4-4-2 system that counter-presses and has high defensive lines.
- They are also a side that can hurt you, having scored an average of 2.20 goals per game at home in the Championship and conceded 0.90 per match.
- Demarai Gray has scored two of Birmingham’s last five goals.
- Jay Stansfield is the club’s top scorer with eight from 21 appearances in the Championship.
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Recent home form:
- Undefeated in their last two home games (W1, D1).
- Won six of their last ten home Championship games (D3, L1).
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Recent home form:
Derby County
- Derby County have a lot of positives to point to since John Eustace took over as manager in February, notably the stability he has brought, the compactness of their defensive system, the organisation from set-pieces and the disciplined running of individual roles.
- Derby have won five and drawn two of their ten Championship away games, scoring 16 goals in those contests.
- Derby’s recent form has been mixed with one win, two draws and two defeats in their last five Championship games.
- Eustace’s men hammered Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 away, but could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Portsmouth.
- Patrick Agyemang has chipped in with three of Derby’s last five goals, while Carlton Morris has scored ten goals in 16 Championship appearances.
Head-to-Head
Derby County are 12th in the Championship with 31 points from 22 games , two more than 14th-placed Birmingham City .
Key Players
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Birmingham:
- Demarai Gray - ex-Leicester and Watford winger who has contributed to the recent upturn in form.
- Jay Stansfield - club top scorer with 8 goals from 21 Championship appearances.
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Derby:
- Patrick Agyemang - has scored three of Derby’s last five goals.
- Carlton Morris - prolific with 10 goals in 16 Championship appearances.
Betting Insights
- The Blues are narrow favorites at 1.75, but the Derby offer at 4.9 looks attractive given Birmingham have only won once in their last five (D1, L3).
- Birmingham were beaten 3-0 by Sheffield United and could only draw 1-1 at home to Charlton Athletic.
- The best play suggested is the under 2.5 goals market at 1.7.
Prediction
Birmingham have the better home record so expect a tight, tactical game and we will take them to nick it in a tight game .
