Birmingham vs Norwich Prediction (04.05.2024)

Both Birmingham and Norwich have something to play for coming into this one, making it one of the more interesting games of the final day of the Championship season. But for Birmingham, the task is way bigger. Norwich need a point to guarantee the playoffs, but can qualify with a loss, assuming no big turnaround on goal difference. However, for Birmingham, currently in the relegation zone, they need to win, and hope others help them out.

Birmingham could have had easier games on the final day, but it is what it is, they know their task, and also know that help from others is needed. They need to win, and hope that Plymouth draw or lose, if both happens, Birmingham will survive. They could survive with a point, but would need Plymouth to lose by five goals in order to overcome their goal difference.

The good news for Birmingham is that they come here unbeaten in their last three games. Two draws recently, away at Huddersfield and away at Rotherham, both sides below them, were good, but they could have been so much better. Before that, it was better, a 3-0 home win over Coventry, who are in the top half of the table.

The scenario for Norwich to fall out of the playoffs is a small one. They need to lose here, West Brom need to win or draw and Hull need to win by a big score, to turn around a deficit of seven goals in goal difference. I do think Norwich will get in, as I don't think Hull can win by that many, but it is not confirmed and they need to come into this one with the intention to win.

I would describe the last few weeks for Norwich as solid, without being anything super special. They are on a five game unbeaten run, which is good, but just two of those have been wins, and three have been draws. Last weekend they drew 2-2 at home to Swansea, before that a 1-1 home tie with Bristol City, a win in either of those, and their playoff place is wrapped up before the final day of the season.

I'm going to go with Birmingham here to get a win, a win that would aid their survival chances and I do think they will stay up. Norwich have a need, but not a strong one, whereas Birmingham must win to start with, and at home, I think they will do that.