Norwich City vs Birmingham City: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 21 February 2026
In one of the marquee fixtures of the 33rd round of the Championship, Norwich City will host Birmingham City this Saturday at Carrow Road. Let's take a look at a bet on the total — both teams are in excellent form and are more than capable of cancelling out each other's strengths.
Match preview
Under Philippe Clement, Norwich have transformed into one of the hottest teams in the league. Seven wins in their last eight matches across all competitions, including a commanding 3-1 FA Cup victory over West Bromwich, signal a true mid-season revival. The Canaries have won four home games in a row, scoring 12 goals in that span, and are steadily moving away from the danger zone.
Special mention goes to winter signing Mohamed Toure — five goals in three matches, including a hat-trick against Oxford on February 10. That being said, squad issues remain significant: top scorer Jovon Makama is sidelined with injury, and Ante Crnac is out for the season. Nevertheless, the hosts now have a player up front who can make the difference single-handedly.
Birmingham, under Chris Davies, are also looking like a mature and well-drilled side. Before their penalty shootout defeat to Leeds in the FA Cup, the Blues went unbeaten in eight straight matches (five wins, three draws). In the league, the visitors sit just two points off the playoff places — sixth spot is well within reach.
The squad was strengthened with several targeted signings in January, with Ibrahim Osman especially standing out, bringing pace and aggression to the final third. Yes, Birmingham have their own personnel headaches — Paik Seung-ho is out for at least three weeks — but the squad depth should help absorb the blow. Crucially, the visitors have learned how to consistently pick up points on the road.
Probable lineups
- Norwich City: Grimshaw, Fisher, McConville, Cordoba, Chrisene, McLean, Field, Gibbs, Ben Slimane, Schwartau, Toure
- Birmingham City: Bede, Osayi-Samuel, Klarer, Neumann, Wagner, Solis, Doyle, Vicente, Ducksch, Gray, Stansfield
Match facts & head-to-head
- Norwich have won seven of their last eight matches in all competitions.
- Birmingham are unbeaten in the league since January 1.
- The Canaries have won four straight home games, netting 12 goals in that run.
Prediction
Both teams come into this clash in top form and with plenty at stake: the hosts aiming to secure safety once and for all, the visitors chasing a playoff spot. Given the current form and balance of power, a score draw and both teams to score looks like the most logical outcome.
