Match Preview
Birmingham City take on Leicester City at St. Andrew’s Stadium in a Championship clash that feels built for drama. The Blues will want to turn home energy into early pressure, while Leicester arrive with the kind of control and experience that can quiet a crowd fast.
Birmingham’s best spells often come when they play with intensity winning second balls, pushing full-backs on, and forcing the opponent into rushed decisions. If they can start quickly, this becomes a very uncomfortable away day.
Leicester’s threat is different. They can slow the game down, keep the ball, and wait for the right moment to strike. If Birmingham overcommit, Leicester have the quality to punish them in transitions and around the edge of the box.
This match could swing on one key moment: an early goal, a set-piece, or a big save. If it stays level into the second half, the bench and game management will matter even more.
Kick-off Time Note (3:01pm)
This fixture is scheduled to begin at 3:01pm (UK time), one minute later than the traditional 3:00pm slot. It’s linked to the Every Minute Matters message seen across selected EFL matchdays, designed to highlight how important quick action can be in emergencies.
Match Information
| Date | Saturday, 7 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Kick-off Time | 3:01pm (UK time) |
| Venue | St. Andrew’s Stadium, Birmingham (England) |
| Competition | Sky Bet Championship |
How the Game Could Be Won
1) Birmingham’s intensity vs Leicester’s composure
Birmingham will want to make this physical and fast, especially in the opening 20 minutes. Leicester will try to absorb that pressure, keep the ball, and force Birmingham to chase which often creates gaps later on.
2) Set pieces and second balls
In the Championship, set pieces are always a factor. A well-delivered corner or a loose rebound can flip a tight match instantly. Both teams will be obsessive about first contacts and clearing the danger zone.
3) The first goal
If Birmingham score first, the stadium lifts and Leicester are forced to take more risks. If Leicester score first, they can control tempo and turn it into a game of patience — and that usually suits them.
Prediction
Correct Score Prediction: Birmingham City 1–2 Leicester City
Birmingham can make this messy and competitive, especially at home, but Leicester’s ability to control key phases of play gives them a slight edge. Expect moments at both ends, with Leicester’s quality in the final third potentially proving the difference.
Best Picks (lean): Leicester City (Draw No Bet) • Over 1.5 Total Goals