On Tuesday evening, the Championship continues its festive fixtures. One of the most important clashes comes at St. Andrews, where Birmingham City host strugglers Derby County.
The home side are 17th place in the table and seven points clear of Tuesday night’s opponents who occupy the last relegation berth. However, the Blues will know that they cannot afford many more slip-ups if they are to avoid getting sucked into the fight for survival.
The home side heads into this clash on the back of a poor recent run of form in the Championship, as they have now failed to win in four league games. A 0-0 draw at another Midlands outfit Nottingham Forest last time out at least ended a three-game losing run.
City have had a problem scoring goals this season, as only four teams in the second tier have scored fewer goals in the Championship.
Aitor Karanka’s team has an awful recent home record in the Championship, as they have failed to win in six outings, suffering five defeats in the process.
Derby go into this game in the relegation zone courtesy of goal difference. The Rams form has been slightly inconsistent of late. However, a 1-0 home defeat on boxing day against Preston ended a six-game unbeaten run in the second tier. The defeat also saw a run of four straight clean sheets in the Championship come to an end.
The Rams recent defensive performances have contributed to their last seven league games producing under 2.5 goals.
Wayne Rooney’s team need to start picking up results away from home if they are to move out of the relegation zone, as they have won just one of their previous seven league games on their travels.
A solid point on our travels yesterday afternoon. 💪🔜 Derby County. pic.twitter.com/fHhouAjGmr— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) December 27, 2020
A solid point on our travels yesterday afternoon. 💪🔜 Derby County. pic.twitter.com/fHhouAjGmr
Forebet predicts that this clash will finish in a low-scoring draw, hampering the visitors hopes of escaping the drop zone for another round of games.