Birmingham vs Southampton Prediction (02.03.2024)

From right in the mix for automatic promotion, to on the edge, three defeats from their last four league games have left Southampton on the ropes. They look to get back on track this weekend, when they travel away from home and visit Birmingham, a team showing much more life under Tony Mowbray.

The highs of John Eustace, the lows of Wayne Rooney, Birmingham are now seeing what the Tony Mowbray era looks like, and so far, I think they'll be impressed. Mowbray is not actively involved at the moment, but his style of play is apparent, and we've seen an improvement, with Birmingham winning two of their last three games.

The Blues have 38 points, are in 18th position and all of that means they are three points clear of the relegation zone, so there's plenty more work to do. They lost 3-1 away at 3rd placed Ipswich last weekend, but won against Sunderland and Blackburn before that, two teams formerly managed by Mowbray.

My guess is that Southampton fans will be panicking right now, and I don't blame them. Their team sits five points behind Leeds and Ipswich, who are in 2nd and 3rd, they need a win to get back on track in the automatic promotion hunt. But they are 15 points clear in the race for the playoffs, so still have that nice cushion that should see them fine.

In the league recently, they've lost 2-1 at home to Millwall, 2-1 at home to Hull and 3-1 away at Bristol City. They also played in the FA Cup on Wednesday night, and lost 3-0 away at Liverpool in that, but I don't think they played too badly, especially in the first half.

I think Birmingham can take something here, taking advantage of Southampton being in trouble, and playing in midweek while Birmingham were resting. But I'm not sure it will be all three points, so I will take Birmingham on the double chance market, covering them to win or draw this game on Saturday.