English FA Cup Odds: Birmingham vs. Blackburn prediction, pick, how to watch
Two English league sides meet for the second time as Birmingham City FC host Blackburn Rovers in the English Football Association (FA) Cup fourth round replay. Continuing our English FA Cup odds series, we finalize our Birmingham Blackburn prediction and selection.
The two teams drew 2-2 last Saturday thanks to an extra-time equalizer from Jordan James after a nice pass from Hannibal Mejri.
The Rovers currently sit fifth in the Championship and have 43 points from 14 wins and a draw in 28 games played. Before Blackburn shares the spoils with Birmingham, Blackburn’s results since the turn of the calendar include a 1-0 win over Norwich City, a 4-0 disappointment against Rotherham United and a 1-1 patch against Bristol City.
Birmingham sits bottom of the Championship table, 19th out of 24 teams with 32 points from eight wins and eight draws. Before drawing with Blackburn, Birmingham only won against Forest Green Rovers in 2023, while matches against Middlesbrough, Bristol City and Preston North End resulted in defeats.
Here are the Birmingham-Blackburnfootball oddscourtesy of FanDuel.
English FA Cup Odds: Birmingham Blackburn Odds
Birmingham city: +135
Blackburn Rover: +190
Draw:+210
Over 2.5 goals: +100
Under 2.5 goals: -140
How to watch Birmingham vs Blackburn
TV: N/A
Stream: ESPN+
Time: 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT
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Why Birmingham can beat Blackburn
John Eustace’s side will give their all at St Andrew’s Trillion Trophy Stadium to defend their FA Cup title hopes. Their last five home games have yielded six goals and just one win, but the Brummies look forward to clinching a win on home soil. A possible chance of success looms if the Blues repeat their home wins over Reading Queens Park Rangers and Bristol City.
Eustace could be waiting for Scott Hogan and Troy Deeney to resume their forward slots to lead attack for the Blues, but Lukas Jutkiewicz and Reda Khadra should see some minutes in this tight matchup. Based on last game’s performance, Juninho Bacuna, Hannibal Mejbri and Tahith Chong are all set to take over midfield duties, but Jordan James, Krystian Bielik and Gary Gardner should also be on the pitch as substitutes for some time. The Blues’ back five should remain the same but a tighter defensive wall is expected from George Friend, Auston Trusty, Kevin Long, Dion Sanderson and Maxime Colin. Neil Etheridge will likely start out as the man destined for the goal post.
Birmingham have been lax in attacking end, finding the net just 30 times in 28 games in the Championship. To survive this game, they’ll need to turn over their average of 10.5 shots, 4.9 corners and 42.5% possession rate. Their defense should hold up in this game, as their 16.6 tackles, 9.5 interceptions, 19.3 clearances, and 2.5 saves per game resulted in eight clean sheets this season.
Why Blackburn can beat Birmingham
The Rovers put in an amazing performance at Ewood Park, but they gambled away their lead in overtime. The Blackburners need positive results if they are to start another winning streak in all competitions.
Blackburn have the lead in head-to-head records and have nearly six straight wins up until last Saturday’s draw. Blackburn deals with problems in their contradictory form. They hope to start another winning streak as they have only had three wins since December.
If Jon Dahl Tomasson wants to advance to the next round, he could take a similar starting XI with his Blackburn side. Sam Gallagher, Ryan Hedges, Bradley Dack and Ben Brereton Diaz will most likely take the front spots, but Sammie Szmodics and Jack Vale would likely replace one of the four for more offensive exits. Lewis Travis will replace either midfielders John Buckley or Tyler Morton. Thomas Kaminski, who has kept 10 clean sheets in the league, will be the starting keeper and hopes he can keep the ball off the net.
Birmingham Blackburn final prediction and selection
Birmingham are finally ending their dismal run against their second-rate opponents. With renewed class and confidence, both teams go into this duel with some significant improvements on offense. However, Blackburn’s history of bouncing back from a poor result streak could give them an advantage over Birmingham. A tie after 90 minutes is still a possibility but Blackburn look like they won’t settle on their disappointment in overtime in the last game.
Birmingham-Blackburn Final Prediction & Selection: Blackburn Rovers (+190)
