Birmingham City vs Hull City Predictions for Tuesday’s FA Cup tie. Birmingham City hosts Hull City at St Andrew’s in an FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday, competing for a spot against Championship leaders Leicester City in the fourth round. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
FA Cup | Third Round Replays – Jan 16, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at St. Andrew’s Stadium
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Birmingham City vs Hull City Predictions
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A Clash of Resolve: Birmingham City vs Hull City in FA Cup Showdown
Key Stats
– Hull City has scored an average of 1.5 goals per game this season, higher than Birmingham’s 1.2. 3
– Birmingham City’s average performance rating stands at 6.85, reflecting their inconsistent season, while Hull City edges slightly better with a 6.93 rating.
Birmingham City: Searching for Consistency Under Mowbray
Birmingham City, under the stewardship of Tony Mowbray, have shown glimpses of promise, especially in their recent 2-2 draw against Swansea City. Despite their battling qualities, a significant concern remains their porous defence, which has only managed a solitary clean sheet in the past seven games. This vulnerability at the back could be a critical factor in their upcoming FA Cup replay against Hull City.
Key Players and Expected Line-Up
Lukas Jutkiewicz’s physical presence and goal-scoring ability make him a pivotal figure for Birmingham. With Scott Hogan likely to rest, Jutkiewicz is expected to lead the line, supported by the creative influences of Juninho Bacuna and Tyler Roberts. The likely Birmingham City line-up:
- Etheridge; Drameh, Sanderson, Aiwu, Longelo; James, Sunjic, Burke, Roberts, Anderson; Jutkiewicz
Hull City: In Search of Form Amidst Injuries
Hull City, guided by Liam Rosenior, are experiencing a rough patch, with just one win in their last six matches. The absence of influential striker Aaron Connolly and the potential inclusion of new signings like Fabio Carvalho could impact their approach in this match.
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Expected Line-Up and Strategic Approach
Billy Sharp’s inclusion in the starting XI could provide Hull with a much-needed attacking edge. Hull’s expected line-up:
- Ingram; Coyle, McLoughlin, Greaves, Jacob; Docherty, Slater; Vaughan, Eyenga-Lokilo, Twine; Sharp
Gameplay Dynamics and Strategies
Birmingham’s approach is likely to be direct, utilising Jutkiewicz’s aerial prowess, while Hull might rely more on the creativity of players like Carvalho and Twine. The midfield battle, particularly the duel between Bacuna and Slater, could be pivotal in deciding the game’s outcome.
Managerial Analysis: Mowbray vs Rosenior
Tony Mowbray brings experience and a calm demeanour to Birmingham, but his challenge lies in tightening a leaky defence. Liam Rosenior, on the other hand, faces criticism for Hull’s dip in form and must find a way to translate possession into goals.
Team Analysis Based on Data
Birmingham City: A Mixed Bag of Performances
Birmingham’s average performance rating stands at 6.85, reflective of their inconsistent season. Their attack averages 1.2 goals per game, with a notable reliance on goals from within the box. However, their defensive record is a concern, conceding 1.6 goals per game on average. Their midfield battles, particularly ground duels, are areas where they have shown competence.
Hull City: Flashes of Brilliance Amidst Struggles
Hull boasts a slightly better average rating of 6.93. Their attack, more productive than Birmingham’s, averages 1.5 goals per game. They also exhibit a more balanced approach in scoring, with a mix of goals from inside and outside the box. Defensively, they are slightly better than Birmingham, conceding 1.4 goals per game on average, but their away form remains a concern.
Expected Goals Averages and Key Duels
Both teams show a propensity for creating chances, but Hull seems to have a slight edge in converting them. The midfield duel, particularly between Birmingham’s Juninho Bacuna and Hull’s Regan Slater, could be key. Additionally, the battle between Birmingham’s defence and Hull’s attacking line, especially the match-up involving Sharp, will be crucial.
Opinionated Suggestions for Improvement
Birmingham City: Defensive Overhaul Needed
Birmingham must address their defensive lapses. A tighter backline and improved communication between the goalkeeper and defenders could be vital. Mowbray should also consider tweaking the midfield to provide better defensive cover.
Hull City: Turning Possession into Goals
For Hull, the focus should be on converting their possession into tangible outcomes. Rosenior needs to instill more creativity in the final third and perhaps adopt a more aggressive pressing style to disrupt Birmingham’s play.
Predicting the Gameplay and Dynamics
Given the contrasting styles of both teams, expect a game of two halves. Birmingham might start cautiously, relying on counter-attacks, while Hull is likely to take a more assertive approach, trying to control the game from midfield. The outcome could hinge on which team better exploits the other’s weaknesses, particularly in defence.
Pro and Cons of Strategies and Team Dynamics
Birmingham City
- Pros: Strong in aerial duels, resilient in midfield battles.
- Cons: Vulnerable defence, over-reliance on certain key players for goals.
Hull City
- Pros: Better ball possession and attacking versatility.
- Cons: Struggles with converting chances, inconsistent away form.
Managerial Strengths and Weaknesses
- Mowbray (Birmingham): Experienced but needs to address defensive issues.
- Rosenior (Hull): Innovative but facing criticism for recent form.
Match Predictions
- Win-Draw-Win Market: Hull City to Win Despite Birmingham’s home advantage and fighting spirit, Hull’s urgency to bounce back from recent setbacks gives them the edge. Hull’s potential lineup, with the inclusion of Sharp and Carvalho, suggests a more attacking approach, which could exploit Birmingham’s defensive frailties.
- Correct Score Prediction: Birmingham City 1-3 Hull City Given both teams’ recent form and Birmingham’s defensive issues, a scoreline favouring Hull seems plausible. Hull’s attacking reinforcements and Birmingham’s tendency to concede suggest a high-scoring game, with Hull taking the upper hand.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Billy Sharp to Score Sharp’s experience and poacher’s instinct make him a likely candidate to find the net. Birmingham’s defensive record, particularly their vulnerability to set-pieces and aerial duels, plays into Sharp’s strengths.
- Team to Score First: Hull City Hull City’s aggressive start is anticipated, given their need to assert early dominance. Their attacking line-up and Birmingham’s habit of conceding early in games further bolster this prediction. Hull’s forward line, led by Sharp, is expected to capitalise on Birmingham’s defensive uncertainty.
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