Two sides at differing ends in League One face off in this FA Cup second round tie hoping to get through to the next round for a potential Premier League tie.
FA Cup
Our 3 predictions for Blackpool vs Birmingham City
- 1st prediction: Birmingham City to win
- 2nd prediction: Over 2.5 goals in the game
- 3rd prediction: Both teams to score
1st prediction for Blackpool vs Birmingham City: Birmingham City to win 39/50
Given Birmingham’s start to the season, and the sheer quality of their squad, the away side are favourites here, They have dropped off recently by their own high standards, seeing them slip down the league, but in a one game shootout you’ve got to fancy them, probably in 90 minutes. Blackpool showed some promise at the start of Steve Bruce’s reign but have also suffered a bit recently, making for an interesting encounter. Put simply though, when Birmingham have spent as much as they have, you’ve got to punt for them.
2nd prediction for Blackpool vs Birmingham City: Over 2.5 goals in the game 67/100
This will likely be a game with plenty of goalmouth action. In the league, Blackpool have been part of only one goalless draw this season and Birmingham none, with the away team only failing to score once in all competitions. The fact that it’s the FA Cup is also worth taking into consideration. The nature of the competition as a knockout format means teams are more likely to go for it and attack as the prize is greater; both sides are likely to do this tomorrow, and with their talent there will be goals.
3rd prediction for Blackpool vs Birmingham City: Both teams to score 59/100
This prediction lends itself well to the previous one, while taking into account both sides’ capabilities at the other end of the pitch. Blackpool look frail at the back, with two of their last three defeats seeing them concede three or more, including five against Peterborough. Birmingham are slightly better defensively, though they have only two clean sheets in their last seven league games. These factors, paired with the attacking intent both sides will play with, means we will see a pretty open game.
Best odds for Blackpool vs Birmingham City
| Bookmaker | Blackpool | Birmingham City |
| MyriadPlay | 29/10 | 39/50 |
| Gentleman Jim | 3/1 | 17/20 |
| Betarno | 31/10 | 17/20 |
Full preview of the game: last results and head to head
In the previous round, Blackpool defeated Gillingham 2-0 and Birmingham beat National League Sutton United 1-0, so neither side faced the calibre of opposition they will on Sunday. In the league, Birmingham have slipped into the play-off spots having started incredibly, and Blackpool sit 16th after a small resurgence under new boss Steve Bruce but have reverted to type now. The Tangerines have won only one of their last nine league games, and the Blues have only tasted victory once in their last four, though their previous form has softened the blow.
In terms of this fixture’s past, it’s pretty even; while Birmingham are winless in three their previous form in the fixture was pretty good, so it’s hard to tell if this record will have an impact on Sunday.
Confrontation
01/12/2024
FA Cup FA Cup
Blackpool
Birmingham City
1
2
22/04/2023
Championship Championship
Birmingham City
Blackpool
0
1
10/12/2022
Championship Championship
Blackpool
Birmingham City
0
0
Last Results - Blackpool 
04/12/2024
League One League One
Shrewsbury Town
Blackpool
1
2
W
01/12/2024
FA Cup FA Cup
Blackpool
Birmingham City
1
2
L
26/11/2024
League One League One
Bristol Rovers
Blackpool
0
2
W
23/11/2024
League One League One
Bolton Wanderers
Blackpool
2
1
L
16/11/2024
League One League One
Blackpool
Northampton Town
0
0
D
Last Results - Birmingham
10/12/2024
EFL Trophy EFL Trophy
Exeter
Birmingham
1
2
W
07/12/2024
League One League One
Barnsley
Birmingham City
1
2
W
04/12/2024
League One League One
Birmingham City
Stockport County
2
0
W
01/12/2024
FA Cup FA Cup
Blackpool
Birmingham City
1
2
W
26/11/2024
League One League One
Exeter City
Birmingham City
0
2
W
Where to watch Blackpool vs Birmingham City
This game is being televised as part of the UK’s free-to-air FA Cup broadcasting provisions. Here’s where you can watch it.
- Location: Bloomfield Road, Blackpool, UK, FY1 6JL
- Channel: BBC iPlayer And BBC Sport website
- Date and time: 1:30pm UK Time, Sunday 1st December 2024
Probable lineups for Blackpool vs Birmingham City
Both sides come into this game with a relatively few selection issues, but are likely to rotate otherwise to keep their squads fresh as the league campaign really takes hold. Here’s how we think they’ll line up.
Blackpool
Line up: H Tyrer, O Offiah, J Gabriel, O Casey, H Coulson, R Finnigan, L Evans, S Carey, E Embleton, D Ballard, J Rhodes
Injuries/suspensions: A Lyons (injured)
Coach: Steve Bruce
Birmingham City
Line up: B Peacock-Farrell, E Laird, D Sanderson, B Davies, A Cochrane, M Leonard, T Gardner-Hickman, K Anderson, L Harris, A May, L Dykes
Injuries/suspensions: None
Coach: Chris Davies
Media centre – news about Blackpool vs Birmingham City
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Freelance journalist and host of The Real EFL Podcast, Rhys specialises in the Championship and League One. He joined after graduating in Journalism from the University of Lincoln in 2024.
