Birmingham vs Leicester tips and predictions: Wiley Foxes seize opportunity as both teams score
- George Dempsey
- 18 December 2023
Leicester City can extend the gap to third to 13 points with a win over Birmingham City in the Championship on Monday night.
November was a poor month for league-leaders Leicester as they claimed four points from a possible 10, but the Foxes have a 100% record in December.
The gap to third place currently sits at 10 points in a week where Leeds United dropped four points and Ipswich were held by rivals Norwich.
Birmingham City are unbeaten in three at St Andrew's and last Wednesday’s win over Cardiff is one of the best results of their season.
Wayne Rooney’s side have struggled to implement a positive style so far but the win in the Welsh capital saw a more pragmatic approach.
That could be the way to go against a Leicester side who feast on space behind and recently found themselves frustrated by a stubborn Sheffield Wednesday rearguard.
The Blues have captured 19 of 26 points on home solid and have already beaten Leeds and West Brom here. We know they’ll be suitably motivated.
On the other hand, Cardiff produced enough to score despite being in terrible form and we know Maresca’s side are the most creative in the league.
No fewer than 10 players have found the net at least twice with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (6), Jamie Vardy (6), Kelechi Iheanacho (5) and Stephy Mavidid (5) leading the scoring.
As likely as a Leicester win may seem, there’s no value in the price. The Foxes have conceded in eight of 10 on their travels so goals-related markets are your best bet.
Team news
George Hall, Keshi Anderson, Alfie Chang, Ethan Laird, Cody Drameh and Kevin Long are unavailable for Birmingham.
Tyler Roberts is nearing a return but won’t feature on Monday. Joint top-scorer Jay Stansfield is likely to start up front.
Yunus Akgun, Callum Doyle, Jamie Vardy, Marc Albrighton and Kasey McAteer have been ruled out for the league leaders.
Harry Souttar is also a doubt. The defence could remain unchanged, although James Justin is likely to replace Conor Coady.
