Bet Builder Tip For Birmingham vs Sheffield United

This week’s EFL Cup tie at St. Andrew’s pits two Championship outfits eager to bounce back from weekend disappointment. Birmingham were pegged back in dramatic fashion by Ipswich, while Sheffield United’s first game under Ruben Selles ended in a heavy defeat at home to Bristol City.

With both managers likely to shuffle their starting elevens, there’s intrigue around who might step up. Our Bet Builder for this match focuses on three carefully chosen markets, each supported by a deep dive into form, context, and tactical patterns.

Here’s our Bet Builder pick for Birmingham vs Sheffield United, which has been placed with William Hill:

Leg 1 – Tom Cannon to Score Anytime

Sheffield United’s forward line will be under scrutiny after last week’s blunt showing, but Tom Cannon remains a live threat. The 21-year-old possesses an instinctive eye for goal, particularly in cup competitions, where defenders he hasn’t faced before can struggle to read his movement. Cannon’s strength is his ability to peel off his marker and exploit half-spaces between centre-backs, something Birmingham may be more susceptible to if Chris Davies opts for defensive rotation.

With Oliver Arblaster, Tom Davies, and Jamie Shackleton all missing, the Blades are expected to play with a narrower midfield. This could encourage quicker service from the flanks towards Cannon, who thrives when crosses are delivered early. Birmingham’s likely inclusion of Eiran Cashin for his debut means there may be some communication gaps in their back line, increasing the chances of a poacher like Cannon capitalising. If Sheffield United register a decent number of entries into the final third, it would be no surprise to see Cannon on the scoresheet.

Leg 2 – Sheffield United to Win the Match

While Birmingham’s home record in League One last season was formidable, their step up in quality of opposition means they are not guaranteed the same level of dominance in the Championship or cup competitions. Sheffield United, despite their poor start, have recent history on their side—they have won on their last two visits to St. Andrew’s, something they will be determined to extend to a third consecutive success.

Ruben Selles has a track record of setting his teams up to frustrate in tight cup ties, and his preference for keeping games compact could frustrate Birmingham’s attacking flow. United’s wide players, including Louie Barry, have the pace to trouble the home defence on the break, and Cannon’s ability to hold up the ball can give them a platform to build attacks. With the Blades eager to restore confidence before returning to league action, and the psychological boost of knowing they’ve recently won here, the away win looks a credible outcome—particularly if they strike first and force Birmingham to chase the game.

Back Our Birmingham vs Sheffield United Ultimate Bet Builder Tip Here

Leg 3 – Both Teams to Score

Although Sheffield United have the weapons to secure victory, keeping a clean sheet at St. Andrew’s is far from straightforward. Birmingham demonstrated last season and on the opening day against Ipswich that they can create and take chances at home, even against defensively organised teams. Jay Stansfield remains a constant goal threat, and Lyndon Dykes offers a different dimension if brought into the starting lineup.

Chris Davies’ side tend to commit numbers forward, especially in cup fixtures, which can leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks—precisely the scenario Sheffield United will look to exploit. Likewise, the Blades’ defensive structure is still bedding in under Selles, and early-season cohesion isn’t always perfect. This combination points towards a game where both sides get on the scoresheet, regardless of the final result. Cup ties at this stage often open up in the second half, especially if the match is level or one side is pushing for an equaliser, further raising the chances of both nets being breached.

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