Leeds vs Birmingham City
EFL Championship
Monday
1st January 2024
Elland Road
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the EFL Championship fixture between Leeds and Birmingham City.
Leeds vs Birmingham City: Preview
Leeds form analysis
The Peacocks came into the hectic festive period sitting just outside the direct promotion spots after an inconsistent start under new manager Andoni Iraola. On December 13th away at Sunderland, Leeds suffered late heartbreak by losing 0-1 after a cagey affair settled by Bellingham’s strike. Needing a response at home to Coventry four days later, Leeds had to settle for a slightly disappointing 1-1 draw despite Summerville continuing his excellent goalscoring form. However, Leeds got emphatically back on track on December 23rd, hammering struggling Ipswich 4-0 thanks chiefly to a Struijk opener.
But Leeds failed to build momentum, losing a five-goal thriller away at Preston North End 2-1 on Boxing Day after briefly equalizing from the spot through Struijk before conceding late to Millar after another Meslier red card. Tired Leeds then succumbed to a disappointing narrow 0-1 home defeat to promotion rivals West Bromwich Albion on December 30th, with Diangana netting the winner. Overall Leeds have showcased both their qualities and obvious shortcomings during this intense run of fixtures against varied opposition as they strive for consistency.
Birmingham City form analysis
Birmingham City came into the hectic festive period struggling badly near the foot of the Championship table before this run offered hope of revival. On December 14th away at relegation rivals Cardiff City, Birmingham started brightly by claiming a vital 0-1 win courtesy of summer signing Bacuna’s strike on the stroke of halftime. Building on this platform four days later, Birmingham produced a spirited display at home to high-flying Leicester City before deservedly losing 2-3 despite goals from James (2).
However tired Birmingham then collapsed spectacularly away at Plymouth on December 23rd, squandering a commanding 0-3 lead to draw 3-3 in an eight goal thriller as Plymouth netted a late equalizer. With confidence knocked, a chastened Birmingham were soundly beaten 1-3 at home by Stoke City on Boxing Day as Thompson, Gooch and substitute Vidigal all scored before the hosts netted a late consolation through Stansfield. Most recently Birmingham failed to bounce back at home against Bristol City on December 30th, labouring to an uninspiring goalless stalemate. Overall it’s been a case of highs and desperate lows for the unpredictable Blues over this period.
