Birmingham vs Preston predictions: Lilywhites to maintain play-off push

Tom Hill

Spotlight

Gary Rowett recently returned to the Birmingham dugout on an interim basis

- Birmingham are without a win in seven Championship matches
- Preston have won three in a row on their travels
- Recommended bet: Preston to win

Preston will look to maintain their play-off charge and push Birmingham further towards the relegation zone when the two teams meet at St. Andrew's on Monday in the Championship.

Ryan Lowe's side have chipped away in recent weeks and they cruised to a 3-0 victory against Rotherham in their first game back after the international break.

On the other hand, Birmingham lost 2-1 to Queens Park Rangers, surrendering a one-goal lead on the road.

Team news

Birmingham interim boss Gary Rowett was unable to select Lukas Jutkiewicz against the R's, and the veteran striker is expected to sit out once again on Monday.

Lowe was unable to call upon Brad Potts or Milutin Osmajic for the win over Rotherham due to injury, but even if they can prove their fitness, he may stick with the same starting XI that helped them collect another three points.

The latest Birmingham vs Preston odds are available on LiveScore Bet

The stats

Rowett was unable to get a tune out of his new team on Good Friday, with the Blues now losing four in a row in the second tier. Birmingham are now without a win in their last seven in the Championship, losing six of those games.

They are now only outside the bottom three on goal difference and the club's fans have got to be worried about what the future holds.

While Birmingham are plummeting down the table, Preston have every chance of sneaking into the play-offs.

The Lilywhites have only lost one of their previous 10 in the Championship, while they have won three on the spin and are unbeaten in four away games.

Ryan Lowe has Preston in form and pushing for a top-six finish

Prediction

A doubleheader is the last thing that Rowett needs as he tries to get to know his players and morale will be low after yet another defeat.

The Blues have lost three in a row in front of their own supporters and, at a time when they need a favourable fixture, they face a Preston side searching for their fourth-successive away win.

Preston kept a clean-sheet in each of those three previous successes and they should have no problem fending off a Birmingham team that have failed to score in two-successive games at home.

Back Preston to win at 19/10 with LiveScore Bet