MX23RW : Monday, December 23 02:42:18| >> :600:207678:207678:
[monks data]
Preston North End logo
Championship | Gameweek 9
Oct 31, 2020 at 3pm UK
Deepdale
Birmingham logo

Preston
1 - 2
Birmingham

Stockley (24')
Johnson (87')
FT(HT: 1-1)
McGree (2'), Gardner (85')

Preview: Preston North End vs. Birmingham City - prediction, team news, lineups

Sport Mole previews Saturday's Championship clash between Preston North End and Birmingham City, including predictions, team news and possible starting lineups.

Preston North End will be hoping to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat against Millwall on Wednesday as they welcome Birmingham City to Deepdale.

Birmingham, however, will be in high spirits after their 2-1 win over Huddersfield, featuring a late winner by Lukas Jutkiewicz in what was their first victory since the opening day of the season.


Match preview

Preston boss Alex Neil on February 8, 2020© Reuters

Preston's poor home form continues as they suffered yet another loss at Deepdale on Wednesday evening - this time, failing to score against Millwall.

This means that Alex Neil's men are now goalless in all four home games this season, with the Lilywhites also failing to pick up a single point during these fixtures - putting them in 13th.

During their latest clash against the Lions, the hosts failed to produce a shot on target until the 68th minute, with Neil's side struggling to get into the game.

A simple finish by Kenneth Zohore in the early moments of the second half, followed by a late penalty from Jed Wallace, confirmed the three points for the visitors.

Birmingham City's Gary Gardner celebrates scoring against Huddersfield Town in the Championship on October 28, 2020© Reuters

Meanwhile, Birmingham will be happy with their recent victory over Huddersfield, finally ending a six-game winless run in the league.

The Blues went ahead in the 27th minute courtesy of a powerful header from Gary Gardner after finding a free kick from Jeremie Bela.

However, Birmingham witnessed a scare in the latter stages of the match as Isaac Mbenza got the equaliser with just five minutes remaining.

Fortunately for the hosts, they were able to produce some late magic when Jutkiewicz slotted one home in the 90th minute, finding the rebound after Jonathan Leko hit the bar.

Their most recent result means they leapfrog their latest opponents to 15th place in the table as they head into their upcoming game.

Birmingham last met Preston in July earlier this year, with the Lilywhites coming out on top in a 2-0 win.

Preston North End Championship form: LWWLWL

Birmingham City Championship form: WDLLDD


Team News

Birmingham City manager Aitor Karanka pictured on October 4, 2020© Reuters

After failing to make the starting XI in their previous game against Millwall, Ben Davies should finally make his way back into the side for Preston, replacing Jordan Storey in defence.

Darnell Fisher could also return on Saturday, with Ben Pearson expected to come back soon following a groin problem he picked up against Cardiff.

Despite the Lilywhites failing to score in their recent game, Neil will be desperate for his team to get back to goalscoring ways on home soil. Therefore, he may opt to start Scott Sinclair again, with the winger scoring four times this campaign.

As for Birmingham, Aitor Karanka is expected to start Jutkiewicz at the weekend, with the striker coming off the bench to score the winner on Wednesday.

Jon Toral could also make his return, after battling a groin problem in recent weeks - however, long-term absentee Josh McEachran could remain on the sidelines.

Adam Clayton is also set to miss out, with the midfielder picking up an ankle injury in their latest win over Huddersfield.

Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Rudd; Fisher, Bauer, Davies, Hughes; Browne, Ledson; Sinclair, Johnson, Potts; Jakobsen

Birmingham City possible starting lineup:
Etheridge; Colin, Roberts, Dean, Friend; Sunjic, Gardner; Sanchez, Toral, Bela; Jutkiewicz


SM words green background

We say: Preston North End 1-1 Birmingham City

Preston will be desperate to at least claim a point in this match following their horrific home form this season. However, with Birmingham fresh off their victory against Huddersfield, they may have what it takes to secure a draw on Saturday.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a home win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home Win:data


ID:420247:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect8152:
Written by
Chelsea Harper

Data Analysis

Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Preston North End win with a probability of 41.76%. A win for Birmingham City had a probability of 29.7% and a draw had a probability of 28.5%.

The most likely scoreline for a Preston North End win was 1-0 with a probability of 13.2%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 2-0 (8.2%) and 2-1 (8.19%). The likeliest Birmingham City win was 0-1 (10.62%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (13.19%). The actual scoreline of 1-2 was predicted with a 6.6% likelihood.


Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

Who will win Saturday's Championship clash between Preston North End and Birmingham City?

Preston North End
0.0%
Draw
0.0%
Birmingham City
100%
1
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Millwall's Alex Pearce reacts on February 15, 2020
Read Next:
Alex Pearce "proud" of teammates for overcoming adversity to triumph
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd22155232112148
2Leeds UnitedLeeds22136341152645
3Burnley2212822891944
4Sunderland22127334181643
5Blackburn RoversBlackburn2111462518737
6Middlesbrough22105738281035
7West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom22811326161035
8Watford2110473028234
9Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds229582830-232
10Millwall217772118328
11Swansea CitySwansea227692424027
12Bristol City226972628-227
13Norwich CityNorwich226883734326
14Queens Park RangersQPR2251072328-525
15Luton TownLuton2274112538-1325
16Derby CountyDerby2266102728-124
17Coventry CityCoventry2266102834-624
18Preston North EndPreston2241172229-723
19Stoke CityStoke2257102330-722
20Portsmouth204882535-1020
21Hull City2247112131-1019
22Cardiff CityCardiff2146111934-1518
23Oxford UnitedOxford Utd2146112137-1618
24Plymouth ArgylePlymouth2146112245-2318


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!