Birmingham vs Sheffield United Predictions

• Birmingham drew 1-1 in their opening league game
• Sheffield United’s 4-1 defeat followed some defensive issues in preseason
• However, the Blades did create chances going forward and they can net at St Andrew’s

Blues hope to make a mark

Birmingham were denied a win in their Championship opener, with Ipswich converting a late penalty in a 1-1 draw. The Blues took the cups seriously last term, reaching the EFL Trophy final at Wembley while exiting against Premier League opposition in the two main cups.

Sheffield United are heading into this clash on the back of a 4-1 drubbing at home to Bristol City at the weekend. New boss Ruben Selles can’t afford that kind of start, given the strong local support for Chris Wilder even after his sacking.

The Blades looked far too open in preseason. They claimed high-scoring wins against lower-league opposition, beating York 6-2, Burton 2-1 and Chesterfield 4-1. A 3-2 loss to Nice was followed by that heavy loss to the Robins, so the Blades look vulnerable defensively.

Selles has made the Blades better on the ball, as they had 74% of possession against Bristol City while generating 2.3 Expected Goals. They have the attacking edge to trouble Brimingham, but the Blues should prove too strong.