Prediction: Birmingham vs Reading

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

As we slowly enter the final phase of this year’s World Cup, it’s time to start looking ahead to the immediate future – and the return of domestic football. The Championship is already back up and running as of last weekend and on Friday, they’ll attempt to draw some eyes over to the second tier ahead of the WC final as Birmingham City play host to Reading in the second city.

Birmingham

Despite having a parade of exciting talent, Birmingham City can’t quite string together that run of consistency that would make them legitimate contenders in the race for promotion. Of course, they are only a matter of points off of the top six due to how crowded that scene is right now, but the Blues need to consider dipping back into the market when we hit the January transfer window.

Reading

Reading always seem to be there or thereabouts and the same is true of their promotion surge this year. A poor run of form gave them time to consider what their best starting XI actually is but with a two-game win streak to their name, the hope is that they can really start to build some momentum. In order to do so, though, they need to bring more of an atmosphere with them when they play away from home.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in February, Reading beat Birmingham 2-1.
• Birmingham have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
• Reading have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Birmingham have scored seven goals and conceded five in their last six games.
• Reading have scored five goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

Both sides have outside ambitions of reaching the play-offs this season and with domestic football starting to get back into the full swing of things, they’ll want to really hit the ground running. We expect to see a fast-paced affair with both teams trading blows, as they tend to do whenever they clash. In the end, they’ll share the spoils in a 2-2 draw that reminds us of just how fun this league can be.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: 888sport