Key Highlights
- Birmingham host Leeds in a FA Cup fourth-round tie at St Andrew’s.
- Birmingham is unbeaten in their last 11 home matches.
- Leeds are targeting another successful raid on a Championship club after beating Derby County 3-1.
- Jay Stansfield and Christoph Klarer are card candidates for Birmingham.
- The match takes place on Sunday, February 15, with kick-off at midday GMT.
FA Cup Fourth-Round: Birmingham vs Leeds – A Tense Encounter?
Birmingham City and Leeds United square off in a crucial FA Cup fourth-round tie. The Blues have been on a roll at home, unbeaten in their last 11 matches, while Leeds aim to extend their run of cup success against Championship opposition.
Blues’ Home Form
The Birmingham team has been firing on all cylinders at St Andrew’s. A recent 3-2 win over Cambridge United in the third round was just a warm-up for what promises to be an intense encounter with Leeds. Expect this fixture to showcase the Blues’ home advantage, which comes from their ability to score 70% of their league goals on their turf.
Leeds’ Road Test
After a slow start in the Premier League, Leeds have found their footing and are currently undefeated in seven of their last nine matches. However, the Championship side will face a stern test at St Andrew’s. Manager Daniel Farke is expected to make several changes for this crucial cup tie, ensuring that the game remains competitive.
Card Candidates
Birmingham’s Jay Stansfield and Christoph Klarer are key players to watch out for. Both have a history of picking up cards. Stansfield’s 35 bookings in three-and-a-half seasons at Exeter and Birmingham make him an attractive bet for yellow cards, while Klarer has been caught with his hand in the cookie jar on several occasions.
Betting Tips & Predictions
The match is tipped to be a low-scoring affair. With Leeds having played some high-scoring games recently but Birmingham averaging under 3 goals per game, backing the draw seems prudent. Stansfield also looks like a solid bet to score or assist, given his prolific goal-scoring and card-accumulating habits.
Match Details
The clash between Birmingham and Leeds is set for Sunday, February 15, with kick-off at midday GMT on TNT Sports 3. Blues are listed as 11/5 to win, while the draw is priced at 12/5.
Final Thoughts
The FA Cup tie between Birmingham and Leeds promises a cagey encounter in the heart of Birmingham. The Blues’ home form and the expected changes by Farke make for an intriguing match-up. Stay sharp, as both teams could surprise with their tactics and performances.
