Burton Albion v Birmingham City Betting Tips: Home side lack confidence to turn fortunes around

Aug 18 2017
Aug 18 2017
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Friday’s Championship fixture sees a Midlands derby between Burton Albion and Birmingham City. This fixture was also played on a Friday last season with Burton Albion winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Lloyd Dyer and Jamie Ward.

Burton arguably had the best season in their history last term as they defied the odds to finish above the Championship relegation zone. However, they have had a terrible start to their second campaign in the division and currently sit at the foot of the table. They are the only team in the league to not pick up a single league point so far this season.

The Brewers have been woeful at both ends of the field this term, scoring just once and conceding seven – both the joint-worst records in the Championship. It goes without saying that Burton are still yet to keep a clean sheet in all competitions.

One thing that Nigel Clough’s side will take confidence from however is their home form. Although they lost their only competitive home outing of the season so far, last season, Burton proved that they can be more than a match for the big boys on home turf as they beat the likes of Norwich City, Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County. They went on two fantastic runs at the Pirelli last term – losing just once from 16th August to 13th December 2016 and then winning three out of four from 4th February to 18th March 2017. Underestimate Burton at your peril.

Birmingham could only secure a point against Bolton on Tuesday night, despite being favourites going into the game and now sit 12th on four points.

Manager Harry Redknapp once again vented his frustration at the transfer market this week after seeing long-time target Onazi Ogenyi have a work permit turned down whilst Lazio are demanding too much for former Manchester United midfielder Ravel Morrison. These two creative players would have really helped Birmingham’s lack of goals – Redknapp’s side have only found the back of the net in one of their three league games so far this campaign. Having said that, new signing Isaac Vassell came on on Tuesday night against Bolton and impressed following his move from Luton Town. Expect him to have an impact on Friday night.

Blues lost their only away game of the season so far – against Ipswich Town on opening day. However, it is worth mentioning that, even under Gianfranco Zola’s disastrous reign last term, Birmingham only lost two of their final seven away matches of the 2016/17 season.

Despite the fact they are having a bit of trouble in the final third, I expect Redknapp’s side to continue their recent good form (three matches unbeaten) on Friday night against a Burton side who are really struggling at the moment. The Brewers did manage to get some good results at the Pirelli last season but, unlike then, they really lack confidence at the moment. The away win is priced at 44/25.

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