Birmingham vs Preston predictions: St Andrew’s clash could prove a tight encounter
Ian Wilkerson
Birmingham have been unable to live up to pre-season expectations
Preston have faded after promising a start to the Championship season
Recommended bet: Under 2.5 goals
Birmingham and Preston head into battle on Wednesday knowing they will see out the Championship campaign in mid-table after both teams failed to live up to early season optimism.
The Blues were expected to be much closer to the promotion places having romped to the League One title last season, while North End have fallen sharply after it looked as if they would be involved in the playoff shake-up early in the season.
The latest Birmingham vs Preston odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Birmingham welcomed Alex Cochrane and Marvin Ducksch back into the fold in the weekend draw against Hull, but the Blues will be without Lee Buchanan, who remains sidelined with a knee injury.
North End will have to continue their second-tier campaign without Callum Lang, who is out with a shoulder injury while Jamal Lewis’s thigh injury looks to have ended his season.
The latest Birmingham vs Preston odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Preston have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 12 matches.
There have been fewer than three goals in seven of Birmingham’s last eight Championship matches.
The Blues have lost three of their 21 home Championship games this season.
North End have won just one of their last eight away matches.
Preston have scored more than once in four of their last 21 second-tier outings.
Birmingham have scored fewer than two goals in nine of their last 10 matches.
The latest Birmingham vs Preston odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Birmingham and Preston have little to play for as their Championship seasons grind towards their conclusion and it is difficult to see them serving up much of a spectacle when they lock horns at St Andrew’s on Wednesday.
The season has been a tale of disappointment for the Blues, who have managed only to re-establish themselves as a mid-table second-tier outfit after romping to glory in League One last season.
There is room for improvement but it is difficult to muster much anticipation that they will produce a goal spree against their Lancashire visitors when they have scored multiple goals in just one of their last nine outings.
They have lost three times on their own patch this term, but a low recent goal tally tempers enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, Preston claimed an away win the last time they were on the road at Charlton, but that was the first time they have claimed a full return on their travels since a 2-0 success at Bristol City on January 4.
They have been held to a maximum of one goal in 17 of their last 21 league games, so recent form for both teams suggests there could be some value in backing under 2.5 goals in the Second City.
Back Under 2.5 goals to win at 10/11 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Birmingham vs Preston odds are available on LiveScore Bet
