Birmingham City will host Queens Park Rangers at St. Andrew’s Stadium on Friday, September 22nd, 2023 in a Championship clash. This match sees two teams in contrasting form face off, with Birmingham looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats and QPR hoping to build on their late equalizer against Swansea last time out.
Analysis:
Birmingham impressed early in the season under new manager John Eustace, going five games unbeaten across all competitions. However, back-to-back losses to Watford and Preston North End have halted their momentum. The defeat to league leaders Preston was especially disappointing, as Birmingham took the lead before conceding two second half goals. Eustace will hope to regain some confidence by taking advantage of a mixed QPR side.
QPR have struggled for consistency under Gareth Ainsworth. After a four game winning run, they’ve now gone four without victory. Ainsworth has done relatively well to have QPR hovering above the relegation places, but he remains under pressure. Securing a last gasp 1-1 draw against Swansea thanks to a Lyndon Dykes header will have lifted spirits. Building on that with an away win at Birmingham would be a huge boost.
AD:
Birmingham should be able to recall left back Lee Buchanan after suspension, likely replacing Emmanuel Longelo. Scott Hogan could also come back into the attack as Eustace shuffles his forward options. The likes of Jordan James and Juninho Bacuna will be instrumental in midfield if Birmingham are to control possession. Defensively they’ve been relatively solid, conceding just 11 goals in 10 league games.
QPR may opt to start Dykes after his impact off the bench last time out. His physicality up front alongside Chris Willock’s pace could trouble the Birmingham backline. The midfield duo of Stefan Johansen and Tim Iroegbunam will look to break up play and initiate attacks. However, QPR are prone to defensive lapses, having conceded 17 times already.
AD:
This match is difficult to predict given both teams’ inconsistency lately. However, Birmingham’s home advantage and need to bounce back after two straight losses see them enter as slight favorites. Eustace will demand a response after recent disappointments, especially with a promising start to build on.
QPR have shown spirit to salvage results but have struggled on the road, losing three of four away matches. If Birmingham can recapture their early season form and solidity, they should have enough quality to get back to winning ways.
Goal.mu predicts: Birmingham City 2-1 Queens Park Rangers
Birmingham’s attacking options off the bench like Troy Deeney could prove decisive against a questionable QPR defense. Expect an open, end-to-end contest but the Blues to have too much motivation playing at home.
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