Birmingham City vs Rangers Predictions

Birmingham City vs Rangers predictions ahead of this friendly clash. St Andrew’s hosts the Trevor Francis Memorial Match: Birmingham City vs. Rangers on Wednesday night, part of pre-season. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Club Friendlies | Jul 24, 2024 at 7.30pm UK at St. Andrew’s Stadium

Birmingham City vs Rangers Predictions

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Can Birmingham City’s New-Look Squad Hold Their Own Against Rangers in the Trevor Francis Memorial Match?

As Birmingham City prepare to host Rangers in the inaugural Trevor Francis Memorial Match at St Andrew’s, football fans are eagerly anticipating a compelling clash between these two storied clubs. This encounter, set as a pre-season fixture, serves not only as a tribute to a legendary player but also as a crucial preparatory step for both teams ahead of their respective campaigns. With Birmingham adjusting to life in the third tier of English football and Rangers looking to reclaim dominance in Scotland, this match promises to offer valuable insights into their current form and tactical approaches.

Birmingham City’s Current Situation

Following a dismal 2023-24 season, Birmingham City find themselves relegated to League One. The club’s turbulent year saw them under the stewardship of four different managers—John Eustace, Wayne Rooney, Tony Mowbray, and Gary Rowett. The team’s relegation was a consequence of inconsistent performances, managerial instability, and poor away form. However, the club’s ambitious ownership has responded by significantly investing in the squad, aiming for an immediate return to the Championship.

Chris Davies, stepping out of his role as an assistant at Tottenham Hotspur, now faces the challenge of integrating a host of new signings into a cohesive unit. Among these new faces are Alfie May, last season’s League One top scorer, and the record-breaking signings of Willum Willumsson and Christoph Klarer. Davies’ early matches in charge, 3-0 and 2-0 victories over Solihull Moors and Shrewsbury Town respectively, have shown promise, but the upcoming match against Rangers will be a sterner test of his tactical philosophies and the squad’s readiness.

Rangers’ Preparations and Ambitions

Rangers, on the other hand, are in the midst of their pre-season preparations with high stakes ahead. Having finished second in the Scottish Premiership last season, they aim to topple their arch-rivals Celtic from the top spot. Under the guidance of Philippe Clement, who replaced Michael Beale in October 2023, Rangers have been preparing with high-profile friendlies against Ajax and Manchester United, albeit both ending in defeat.

Clement’s first full season in charge comes with the added challenge of navigating the Champions League qualifiers. The match against Birmingham will be an important opportunity for Rangers to fine-tune their strategies and player combinations. Key players such as Jack Butland, John Souttar, and Ben Davies are expected to feature prominently, with the aim of solidifying their defensive structure and improving on their attacking transitions.

Team News and Expected Lineups

For Birmingham City, Austrian defender Christoph Klarer may make his debut. He could line up alongside either Dion Sanderson or Krystian Bielik in the heart of defence. Davies is expected to deploy a strong lineup, featuring new signings Willumsson, Emil Hansson, and Koji Miyoshi. Alfie May, the league’s top scorer from last season, will lead the attack, supported by a midfield orchestrated by Jordan James and Seung-Ho Paik.

Birmingham City probable starting XI:

• Peacock-Farrell
• Laird, Bielik, Klarer, Cochrane
• Paik, James, Stansfield, Willumsson, Hansson
• May

Rangers, meanwhile, will likely field a lineup that includes former Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland, with Souttar and Davies in defence. The midfield will be anchored by Diomande and Barron, while Matondo, Lawrence, and Wright provide the creative thrust behind central striker Cyriel Dessers.

Rangers probable starting XI:

• Butland
• Sterling, Souttar, Davies, Jefte
• Diomande, Barron
• Matondo, Lawrence, Wright
• Dessers

Key Duels and Tactical Analysis

The central area of the pitch will be pivotal, with Birmingham’s midfield duo of Paik and James up against Rangers’ Diomande and Barron. The ability of Birmingham’s midfield to disrupt Rangers’ flow and initiate quick transitions will be crucial. Defensively, the matchup between Birmingham’s new centre-back pairing and Rangers’ attacking quartet will likely determine the game’s outcome. Klarer’s integration into the team and his partnership with Bielik or Sanderson must be solid to withstand Rangers’ offensive pressure.

Rangers’ game plan will likely involve exploiting the flanks, with Matondo and Wright aiming to stretch Birmingham’s defence and create space for Dessers. Conversely, Birmingham will look to leverage May’s goal-scoring prowess, with support from Hansson and Willumsson in wide areas.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Birmingham’s primary strength lies in their revamped attack. Alfie May’s finishing ability, combined with the creativity of Willumsson and Hansson, provides a potent offensive threat. However, their defence, despite the arrival of Klarer, remains a concern, particularly against high-calibre opposition like Rangers. The team’s cohesion and tactical discipline under Davies’ new system are still works in progress, which could be exploited by Rangers’ experienced players.

Rangers, on the other hand, boast a strong defensive record from last season, complemented by a high average of goals scored per game. Their ability to control possession and create scoring opportunities through precise passing is a significant advantage. However, their pre-season defeats suggest potential vulnerabilities, particularly in transitioning from defence to attack against teams that press aggressively.

Managerial Analysis and Critique

Chris Davies’ appointment at Birmingham is a gamble, given his lack of managerial experience at the senior level. While his initial results are encouraging, the real test will be maintaining consistency throughout a gruelling League One campaign. His ability to adapt tactics and manage the squad’s depth will be critical.

Philippe Clement, with more managerial experience, faces the challenge of balancing domestic success with European ambitions. His tactical acumen and ability to inspire a squad laden with expectations will be under scrutiny. However, his tenure has already shown promise, with a solid competitive record since taking over.

Expected Goals Analysis

Birmingham City’s goal-scoring average from last season stands at 1.1 per game, a figure they must improve to achieve promotion. Their defensive record, conceding 1.4 goals per game, highlights the need for stronger defensive performances. In contrast, Rangers scored an impressive 2.3 goals per game while conceding only 0.8, showcasing their superiority in both attacking and defensive metrics.

Betting Angles and Predictions

Best Bet: Draw and Both Teams to Score

Given Birmingham’s offensive upgrades and Rangers’ strong attack, a draw with both teams scoring appears a plausible outcome. Birmingham’s new signings are likely to contribute to a competitive match, while Rangers’ experience should help them secure at least a point. This prediction aligns with the expectation of a closely contested game, with both sides finding the net.

Correct Score Prediction: Birmingham City 2-2 Rangers

In line with the best bet, a 2-2 draw is a realistic scoreline. Birmingham’s attacking reinforcements should help them score twice, while Rangers’ offensive capabilities ensure they will also find the back of the net. The defensive frailties on both sides further support this high-scoring prediction.

Goalscorer Prediction: Alfie May to Score

Alfie May, Birmingham’s top scorer from last season, is the most likely candidate to score. His proven goal-scoring ability in League One makes him a constant threat, and he will be eager to impress in this high-profile friendly. With creative support from Hansson and Willumsson, May should have ample opportunities to find the net.

Corner Prediction: Rangers to Win More Corners

Rangers’ attacking style and tendency to dominate possession should result in them winning more corners. Their average of 7.7 corners per game last season underlines their proficiency in this area. Given Birmingham’s defensive stance, Rangers are expected to push forward more frequently, leading to a higher corner count.

Innovative Market Prediction: Over 2.5 Total Cards

Considering the competitive nature of this fixture and the potential for aggressive play, predicting over 2.5 total cards is reasonable. Birmingham’s average of 2.2 yellow cards per game and Rangers’ physical approach suggest a match that could see several bookings. This bet capitalises on the likely intensity and commitment from both teams in honouring Trevor Francis.

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