Match Preview

The Sky Bet Championship continues with an important Round 21 fixture as Birmingham City host Charlton Athletic at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park on Saturday 13 December 2025. Both clubs come into this weekend with plenty still to play for, but their short-term aims are slightly different: Birmingham are trying to push into the play-off conversation, while Charlton are focused on stabilising and pulling further clear of the lower places.

Birmingham City start the weekend in a strong mid-table position. After 20 league matches, the Blues sit 11th with 28 points (8 wins, 4 draws, 8 defeats), having scored 29 goals and conceded 25. With the top half tightly packed, a home win here could be a genuine springboard towards the top six during the busy festive schedule.

Charlton Athletic arrive in Birmingham sitting 19th with 23 points from 19 matches (6 wins, 5 draws, 8 defeats), with 19 goals scored and 25 conceded. The Addicks have shown they can compete at this level, but away form and defensive concentration remain key themes. This match also comes during a difficult period for the club and supporters, and Charlton will be determined to channel that emotion into a committed, disciplined performance.

Recent head-to-head meetings suggest this could be tight. The clubs split the league meetings in 2024/25 and also played in the Carabao Cup in 2024/25, with marginal scorelines across the board. That points to a contest likely to be decided by details: set-pieces, second balls, and who takes their big chance when it arrives.

TV Broadcast and Livestreams

Coverage varies by territory and broadcaster selection. Supporters should check official club channels and local listings for confirmed TV and streaming options.

Match Information

Championship Table Snapshot (Before Kick-off)

Here is the key league context heading into this fixture:

Birmingham are close enough to the play-off pack to feel that a strong winter run could change the mood quickly. Charlton, meanwhile, are seeking consistency and points to move away from the lower places before the fixture list becomes even more demanding.

Form Guide & Key Storylines

Head-to-Head

These sides have shared tight meetings recently, including two league games and a cup tie across 2024/25 and 2024/25.

Last 5 Competitive Meetings

With recent meetings often decided by a single goal, patience and concentration could be decisive again.

Tactical Outlook

Birmingham City: pressure, width and second balls

• Front-foot approach at home, using the crowd and early tempo to pin Charlton back.
• Width and crossing to test Charlton’s box defending and force clearances.
• Counter-pressing to win the ball back quickly and keep territory.
• Set-piece threat, especially if the match becomes a physical duel-heavy contest.

Charlton Athletic: compact shape and fast transitions

• Compact defensive block to protect central spaces and force Birmingham wide.
• Quick breaks into the channels when Birmingham commit full-backs forward.
• Dead-ball opportunities as a key route to goals in a difficult away fixture.
• Game management, staying calm under pressure and limiting giveaways in dangerous areas.

The match may hinge on whether Charlton can survive Birmingham’s early pressure, and whether Birmingham can turn control into goals rather than just territory.

Match Outlook and Prediction

Predicted Final Score: Birmingham City 2–1 Charlton Athletic

Birmingham’s home advantage and stronger league position make them slight favourites. Charlton are capable of keeping it tight and causing problems on the counter, but Birmingham’s attacking output and ability to sustain pressure at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park could give them the edge.

Prediction: Birmingham City 2–1 Charlton Athletic.

Note: This prediction is for discussion and entertainment only.