Both sides have found their rhythm ahead of the meeting: Birmingham City vs Southampton prediction
The fourth-round Championship match between Birmingham City and Southampton will take place on 1 September at St Andrew's. The hosts are still unbeaten in the league and sit eighth, while the visitors have climbed to 18th after two consecutive victories and have shown a marked improvement in attack.
Birmingham City: first victory has boosted confidence
Chris Davies' side began the league campaign with draws against Sheffield United and Bristol City before beating Wrexham 2-1. Phil Neumann was the hero of that match, scoring twice to give his team their first victory of the season.
It was particularly important that Birmingham responded quickly to the painful 6-1 League Cup defeat to Brentford. However, their head-to-head record is far from encouraging, with the hosts failing to beat Southampton in their last six meetings in all competitions.
Southampton: eight goals in their last two rounds
After a 2-1 defeat to Watford, Tonda Eckert's side improved sharply. Southampton first beat Stoke City 3-1 before thrashing Millwall 5-1, scoring eight goals across two league matches.
Kyle Larin scored twice in the most recent game, while Finn Azaz, Leo Scienza and Tom Fellows were also on target. Such a surge in attacking output makes the visitors particularly dangerous, although the trip to St Andrew's promises to be a much tougher challenge.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Birmingham City are unbeaten in their opening three Championship matches.
- Southampton have scored eight goals in their last two league matches.
- Birmingham have not beaten Southampton in their last six head-to-head meetings in all competitions.
An even contest with no clear favourite: Birmingham City vs Southampton prediction
The hosts have looked more consistent over the opening rounds and also have home advantage. However, Southampton's current attacking form makes it difficult to regard Birmingham as favourites, even after their victory over Wrexham.
Both teams have found a good rhythm and possess enough quality in attack to score against each other. With the balance of power so even, a draw looks like the most logical outcome.
