Birmingham City take on Derby County knowing that a draw should be enough to secure their Championship status for another season. They welcome Midlands neighbours Derby for the final fixture of a very unique season.
Birmingham City Host Derby County in Pivotal Match
Blues Halfway to Safety
Birmingham come into the clash needing to pick up points to ensure Championship survival; however, that has been alien to them as of late.
The second city side are winless in 13 league matches, last earning three points back in February.
They take on a Derby side who no longer have anything to play for this season after falling short in their play-off bid. Phillip Cocu‘s side won the reverse fixture 3-2 back in September but much has changed for both clubs since then.
A Woeful Few Months for Birmingham City
The Blues are being led by caretaker managers Craig Gardner and Steve Spooner since Pep Clotet left St Andrew’s earlier this month. Just seven points from their last 13 matches is what many would describe as ‘relegation form’, but as of yet, they have not fallen into the dropzone.
Currently sitting in 20th place, on 50 points, a draw with Derby would be enough to keep Birmingham up, unless Luton Town won by a margin of 10 goals. The Hatters are two points further back with a much inferior goal difference.
A win would make things much more straightforward though, with the Blues then out of the reach of the chasing pack.
However, Birmingham City have conceded three goals in five of their last six home matches, something they won’t want to repeat when Derby come to town.
Derby Could Ruin Birmingham’s Day
Despite having nothing to play for in regards to the 2019/20 season, the Rams will want to finish with a flourish. Cocu’s men have not won in five matches following a tough run of games against five of the top six sides. Leeds United, the latest of those, inflicting a 3-1 defeat at Pride Park last Sunday.
A win will allow Derby to head into the summer break with optimism and offer some positivity after what has been a challenging season on and off the pitch. The Rams are in the midst of a rebuilding process and it would come as no surprise to see some youngsters handed valuable first-team minutes at St Andrew’s.
Tom Lawrence Unavailable for the Rams
Derby County will play their final match of the season without winger Tom Lawrence. The Welshman went off after just six minutes when he injured his shoulder in a challenge during Derby’s loss to champions Leeds. Midfielder Duane Holmes is also not expected to make a return having missed the last three matches.
The Blues look set to be without both Jake Clarke-Salter and Josh McEachran once again whilst Jeremie Bela could be recalled.
Wednesday evening’s match marks the last game in a Blues shirt for midfielder Jude Bellingham after he completed his move to Borussia Dortmund earlier this week.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
