Leeds United vs Birmingham City Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

It hasn’t been a good start to the season for fans of either Leeds or Birmingham. Gary Monk’s first competitive game in charge of Leeds started badly when Nedum Onuoha fired the London club in front after just 4 minutes and it didn’t really get any better. The Londoners cruised to a 3-0 win and Leeds returned home to lick their wounds.

The former Swansea boss responded with changes in midweek for the trip to Fleetwood in the League although there was still plenty of experience in the side. They were a few minutes from going out when Marcus Antonsson equalised late on and an eventual penalty shoot-out triumph kept Leeds in the competition but did little to reassure you that they are going to be significantly improved here on their showing last weekend.

Birmingham are a tough side to play against with Gary Rowett running a tight ship so there is no danger of Leeds getting presented with an easy win to kick-start their campaign as they step out at Elland Road for the first time. Birmingham are a little light on attacking quality though and are yet to score this season following a 0-0 draw with Cardiff on the opening day and 1-0 Extra Time defeat against Oxford in the League Cup on Tuesday.

However they are a tough unit to break down and could thrive on what is likely to be an anxious Leeds crowd, particularly if they could sneak the opening goal. Birmingham were only beaten 6 times away from home in the Championship last season which was an excellent record while it took Leeds until November to record their first home win.

Birmingham have drawn all of their last 5 Championship games and backing this to finish in a 1-1 draw at 5/1 looks a solid punt.