Birmingham vs Reading Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

For this game, we expect Birmingham to record an opening-day win with their recent record heading into the opening game against Reading. Birmingham are on a four-game winning streak and have been the first to score in six of their last seven. Reading are without a clean sheet in their previous eight against Birmingham.

The home side spent vast amounts of time bolstering their squad in the summer, and a player who can make an impact against Reading is leading striker Alfie May. Alfie May recently arrived from Charlton Athletic after scoring 23 goals in 40 league games, averaging 1.3 shots on target per game.

Lee Buchanan and Krystian Bielik are the two most likely players we feel could end up in the disciplinary books. Bielik conceded 1.7 fouls per game and received 12 yellow cards last season, with Buchanan conceding 0.8 fouls per game.

For this game, we predict Birmingham City to open their campaign with a 2-1 win over Reading. Birmingham City 2-1 Reading

The season is upon us again as teams across the country want to stamp out their ambitions for the rest of the season. Recently relegated Birmingham City host Reading on the opening weekend, with much expected from the Blues following their recent spending activity.

Date: 10/08/2024

Location: St.Andrews

Kick-Off: 5.30 pm

All eyes will be on Birmingham City this season following their recent transfer outlay compared to the rest of the teams in the league. Birmingham City have reportedly spent more money than 22 of the 24 teams in the league above as they look to exterminate any lingering woes from last season.

Last season brought about much turbulence for the Blues, with new ownership deciding a managerial change was needed at the helm, ultimately costing them. John Eustace was replaced after guiding the team to the top six in favour of Wayne Rooney, and his record plummeted the Blues down the league towards the reach of relegation, which they never recovered.

This summer, Birmingham has spent massively improving their squad, signing Alfie May, who will bolster their striking options. Alfie May recently arrived from Charlton Athletic after scoring 23 goals in 40 league games, averaging 1.3 shots on target per game.

Reading’s summer was thriving off the field as they finally resolved their long-running issues ownership-wise. Reading have utilised the free market in the summer, with signings such as Clinton Mola and Matty Carson from Bristol Rovers and Grimsby Town, respectively.

The Royals finished 17th last season amidst their financial problems, which was a remarkable feat considering their points tally should have resulted in a 15th-placed finish, and Reading finished nine points clear of 21st-placed Cheltenham. The away side recorded 53 points last season, scoring 68 and conceding 70. Reading averaged 1.5 goals per game last season, conceding 1.5 goals per game.

The game will be shown live on Sky Sports.

Birmingham Team News

Alfie May is expected to start following his recent arrival from Charlton Athletic. The forward started in the previous game against West Bromwich Albion.

Reading Team News

Reading lineup in a 3-1-4-2 formation, with Sam Smith starting up front.

Birmingham are on a four-game winning streak and have been the first to score in six of their last seven. Birmingham has been the first to score in six of the previous eight meetings between the two teams. Neither side have managed a clean sheet against one another in the previous eight encounters, with Birmingham City winning ten of the last 20 meetings.

Birmingham City’s first pre-season under new manager Chris Davies has worked perfectly for the Blues. Birmingham City ended pre-season unbeaten, having won their previous five games and only losing once. One of the more notable victories for Birmingham City was the impressive 2-1 win over Rangers - goals from James Tavernier (OG) and new signing Alfie May aided the Blues’ cause.

Despite the turbulence of last season in the managerial hot seat, Birmingham City ended the season with two wins from their previous four. However, they failed to beat the drop. Birmingham’s home form was rather good last season, as they ranked the ninth highest in the league. Birmingham’s previous competitive home win was against Norwich on the final day - thanks to a single goal from Seung-Ho Paik.

Reading also enjoyed a successful pre-season, winning four of their six games. Reading lost the remaining two. One of the more notable results for Reading was the 1-0 win over rivals Queens Park Rangers - thanks to a goal from Femi Azeez. The Royals ended their pre-season with a 2-0 victory over Championship side Hull City, with goals from Sam Smith and Ben Elliott.

Reading ended the season with two wins from their last five league games, with two draws and one loss. Reading is also in good away form, having won two of the previous three away fixtures. Reading’s last away victory was a 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers, thanks to Lewis Wing's and Sam Smith's goals.

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