Prediction: Birmingham vs Walsall

Verdict: Birmingham win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Luckster

Turning their attention to EFL Trophy action on Tuesday night, Birmingham will welcome Walsall to St. Andrew’s.

Birmingham

Starting with the hosts, while Birmingham might have shockingly lost their Championship status last season following what was a public nightmare at St. Andrew’s, the Blues have come flying out of the traps this time around. In the midst of what has been a League One romp and rightfully pencilled in as a landslide promotion contender, Chris Davies’ men have already gained quite the reputation. Last seen over the weekend laying down another marker as they secured a 2-1 win against Wigan, Tuesday’s hosts have collected 10 points from their opening four League One appearances. Signing off their pre-season preparations with a stellar 4-1 romp against local rivals West Brom on August 3rd, Birmingham should be excited to turn their attention to EFL Trophy action in midweek. Landing a 1-0 win when they met their local rivals for a summer friendly on July 27th, the Blues will be desperate to avoid a potential banana skin here.

Team News

Completing a permanent return to St. Andrew’s on Deadline Day following what was a League One record fee of £10million, Jay Stansfield should make his second Birmingham debut here. However, limping off against Wigan over the weekend, Davies’ camp are sweating over the fitness of ex-Manchester United youngster Ethan Laird.

Enjoying what has been a sensational flurry since arriving from Charlton this summer, 31-year-old Alfie May will lead the Blues’ charge here. Veteran shot-stopper Ryan Allsop should replace Northern Ireland international Bailey Peacock-Farrell between the sticks.

Walsall

As for the visitors, gaining plenty of plaudits last season as they secured a first top-half finish since 2020, Walsall appear to have only continued on from where they left off back in May. In the midst of their own respective purple patch and springing what has been a real upset so far this year, the Saddlers suddenly find themselves scrapping it out at the top of the League Two table. With the mood around the Bescot Stadium at a real high, Tuesday’s guests are riding what has become a major wave of momentum. Putting in another eye-catching performance over the weekend as they secured a 2-1 victory at home against Cheltenham, Mat Sadler’s side should be excited by a trip across the Midlands here. In fact, along with already putting nine points on the board, Walsall have also won five of their first six matchups across all competitions.

Team News

Limping off against Tranmere on August 24th after picking up a thigh injury, Walsall will once again be without former Newport defender Priestley Farquharson on Tuesday night. While one-time QPR youngster Brandon Comley might have recently returned to first-team training, the 28-year-old will not play any part here.

Bagging the winner against Cheltenham over the weekend and now finding the net in two of his previous three appearances, veteran striker Jamille Matt will play a leading role. Former Colchester goalkeeper Sam Hornby should return between the sticks.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Birmingham and Walsall met for a pre-season showdown back on July 27th, the Blues collected a 1-0 victory on their travels.
• Despite their FA Cup exit at the hands of Fulham last week, Birmingham have won all of their other four appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, Walsall have won five of their opening six appearances across all formats.
• Former Charlton striker Alfie May has registered four goals in his first six appearances.
• Tuesday’s guests have registered just a single clean sheet from any of their last five matchups.

Conclusion

While Walsall might have come flying out of the traps since opening up the new campaign, Birmingham are rightfully pencilled in as a landslide contender on Tuesday night. Appearing to storm their way to an immediate Championship return, the Blues have already gained quite the reputation. Claiming an impressive 2-1 victory against Wigan over the weekend and already putting 10 points on the board, Davies’ side should be excited to turn their attention to EFL Trophy action here.

Verdict: Birmingham win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Luckster