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Kick-off: Thursday, 3 March @19:45 GMT
Venue: St. Andrew’s Stadium (Birmingham)
Live Stream: fuboTV (US), bet365 (non-US)
Head to head record
Hull vs Birmingham 2-0 (2015/2016 Championship)
Birmingham vs Hull 2-1 (2013 Club Friendly)
Hill vs Birmingham 5-2 (2012/2013 Championship)
Birmingham vs Hull 2-3 (2012/2013 Championship)
Birmingham vs Hull 0-0 (2011/2012 Championship)
Birmingham vs Hull prediction
All eyes will be at St. Andrew’s Stadium when Birmngham City and Hull City square off against each other in a clash that could be crucial in their battle for promotion to the Premier League.
Home soil – big advantage
It has been five years since Birmingham City played their last game in the Premier League. The Blues have been trying to return to the elite division ever since they dropped to the Championship and it seems as if they will not have better chance than this to turn their long-lasting dream into reality. Gary Rowett’s men have been producing thrilling performances at their St. Andrew’s Stadium in 2016, with the team recording three wins in previous four home fixtures in the Championship. Birmingham City, though, suffered a 2-0 loss to QPR at Loftus Road Stadium at the weekend and, as a result, they are four points behind Sheffield Wednesday, who are sitting in the play-offs berth. The Blues will certainly go for a win in Thursday’s clash against Hull City, but beating the Tigers is easier said than done. Clayton Donaldson, who has netted seven goals this season, is widely expected to lead the line for the hosts.
Coach Gary Rowett has no fresh injury worries ahead of the match and he could field the same starting line-up that faced QPR at the weekend. The Birmingham City boss is likely to stick to the 4-2-3-1 formation.
Tigers impressive at the back
Hull City are determined to return to the Premier League. The Tigers sit in the automatic promotion places ahead of Matchday 35, but it has to be noted that they have been firing on all cylinders of late. The team scored only one goal in previous four league matches, but, on the other hand, they have been impressive at the back in recent weeks. Hull City managed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last five league fixtures and they are likely to rely on their rock-solid defence in Thursday’s match against Birmingham City. The Tigers were held to a goalless draw by Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend and they will have to improve offensively if they are to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League. Abel Hernandez is undisputedly the team’s key player and the Uruguayan attacker is widely expected to lead the line for the away team against Birmingham.
Steve Bruce has a full squad to choose from and he is likely to field the best possible side against Birmingham City. Egypt international Ahmed El Mohamady came as a substitute in the goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday and he is pushing for a start.
Quick Facts
- Birmingham City scored 1+ goals in each of their last six home matches
- The Blues are eyeing their ninth home win of the season
- Hull City managed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last three away games
- The Tigers scored eight goals in previous three meetings with Birmingham City
- Hernandez and Meyler scored for Hull in a 2-0 win over Blues earlier this season
Birmingham vs Hull betting tip
Both sides are eager to secure promotion to the Premier League and both teams are likely to go for a win in Thursday’s clash at St. Andrew’s Stadium. Hull City have been impressive at the back of late and seeing that Birmingham City are tough to beat at home, there is every chance we will see a low-scoring affair this time out.
Tip: Under 2.5 goals
Odds: 1.50 (1/2) @BetVictor
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