Bitesize Prediction: Swansea vs Birmingham

In what could prove to be another lively Championship showdown from the Liberty on Saturday afternoon, Swansea will host Birmingham.

Starting with the hosts, while Swansea might have been last seen on January 21st snatching a late 1-1 draw away at QPR, that doesn’t cover what has been an extended wobble in south Wales. Eventually crashing out of the FA Cup a fortnight ago following a 2-1 extra-time defeat against Bristol City, the Whites have bagged just a pair of victories from their previous nine matchups across all formats. Now tipped as a real outside pick in this year’s play-off chase, Russell Martin’s side are desperate to try and find some stability. However, continuing to show some rather glaring defensive issues and recording just a sole clean sheet since returning from the World Cup break, Saturday’s hosts have also gained a reputation for their struggles at the Liberty. In fact, Martin’s side have lost three of their last four home fixtures against Championship opposition.

As for the visitors, although Birmingham might have snatched an FA Cup replay away at Blackburn last weekend following an action-packed 2-2 draw, John Eustace’s men find themselves in a very similar position to Saturday’s opponents. Still looking over their shoulder at the drop zone, the former QPR coach has seen his side fail to win any of their last six showdowns against Championship opposition – a run that stems all the way back to a 3-2 victory against Reading on December 16th. It should also be noted, the Blues have seen each of their last three away fixtures across all formats finish with both teams finding the net. Likewise, with Saturday’s opponents playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw when they met at St. Andrew’s back on November 8th, we’re expecting another enjoyable affair from south Wales here.