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

Explore Ladbrokes' 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 poor results, with their last victory coming against Watford at home. The predicted 4-2-3-1 formation should provide them with a solid defensive structure while allowing players like Gray and Stansfield to exploit spaces in the Derby defence. However, their recent form suggests they might struggle to convert chances into goals.

Derby, on the other hand, have shown more consistency, with a recent win against Sheffield Wednesday boosting their confidence. Their 3-4-3 setup could cause problems for Birmingham's backline, especially with the attacking trio of Díaz, Brewster, and Agyemang. Despite this, Derby's away form has been less convincing, which might give Birmingham a chance to secure a draw.

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 0-3 loss to Sheffield Utd away from home, which will have dented their confidence. However, their home win against Watford might give them a glimmer of hope as they look to turn their fortunes around.

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 had a more promising run of results, managing to secure a win and two draws in their last five games. Their most recent match ended in a 1-1 draw against Portsmouth at home, which should keep their spirits high. The convincing 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday away from home will also give them confidence going into this 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 has been closely contested in recent meetings. Birmingham have managed to secure two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five encounters with Derby. The most recent match ended in a 2-2 draw, suggesting that these teams are evenly matched and can expect another competitive game.

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 are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Allsop in goal and a back four of Iwata, Neumann, Klarer, and Robinson. This setup should provide a solid defensive base, allowing midfielders like Doyle and Paik to control the game's tempo and feed the attacking quartet of Anderson, Willumsson, Gray, and Stansfield.

• 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 predicted 3-4-3 formation will see Zetterström between the posts, with a back three of Langås, Sanderson, and Clarke. This setup should allow them to be more adventurous going forward, with Ward and Elder providing width and support to the attacking trio of Díaz, Brewster, and Agyemang.

• Stansfield vs Clarke: Stansfield's pace and movement will be a real test for Clarke's defensive capabilities.

• Gray vs Thompson: Gray's creativity will be crucial in breaking down Thompson's midfield presence.

• Paik (Birmingham): Paik's ability to control the midfield will be vital for Birmingham's chances of winning.

• Elder (Derby): Elder's versatility and work rate on the left side will be key for Derby's attacking and defensive transitions.

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

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

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