In-Depth Betting Tips and Predictions for Birmingham City vs Reading

Birmingham City kick-off their first season in the third tier of English football since 1995, at home to Reading this Saturday.

The Blues have been relegated into League One and instantly spent more money than any other team combined according to transfermarkt. The reigning League One top scorer in Alfie May has been signed, alongside a Bundesliga defender in Christoph Klarer among many other names. Last season was somewhat of an embarrassment for Birmingham, and they’re desperate to climb straight back up into the second tier.

In pre-season, the Blues have also had a very strong start:

• 7 Games
• 5 Wins
• 13 Goals Scored

They face a Reading side that have also had a strong pre-season with four wins from six, but are off the back of an extremely difficult season:

Reading in 2023/24:

• 53 Points
• Finished in 17th (only four places above the drop zone)
• Conceded the 4th most goals in the league
• Were docked 6 Points

However, towards the end of the last campaign they did pick up results. And are under an ambitious manager in Ruben Selles.

Player to watch - Birmingham City vs Reading

Femi Azeez, who looks like a strong player in pre-season, is among an exciting squad when it comes to going forward.

Femi Azeez in 2023/24:

• 46 Games
• 8 Goals
• 9 Assists

Birmingham City vs Reading Predictions

We’re backing Birmingham City to win this match, and for both teams to score. You can get boosted odds of 5/2 for this bet through Parimatch, which would return £35 from a £10 stake.

Birmingham City vs Reading Predicted Line-ups

Birmingham City

Bailey Peacock-Farrell; Ethan Laird, Dion Sanderson, Krystian Bielik, Alex Cochrane; Paik Seung-ho, Jordan James, Kōji Miyoshi, Willum Þór Willumsson, Siriki Dembélé; Alfie May.

Reading

Joel Castro Pereira; Ben Elliot, Amadou Mbengue, Harlee Dean, Kelvin Abrefa; Lewis Wing, Michael Craig, Femi Azeez, Harvey Knibbs; Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, Sam Smith.

Where can I watch Birmingham City vs Reading?

You can watch this game from the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.