A familiar opponent heads to St. Andrew’s, with recently-promoted Port Vale looking to cause an upset against a formidable Birmingham City side. These two faced each other in a pre-season friendly this summer, but will both need a result here to progress to round three.
EFL Cup
Our Three Predictions for Birmingham City vs Port Vale
- First Prediction: Half Time Score – Birmingham City 1-0 2/1
- Second Prediction: Kyogo Furuhashi to score anytime 1/1
- Third Prediction: Ethan Laird to score anytime 9/2
Betting odds are correct at time of writing via MyriadPlay
First Prediction for Birmingham City vs Port Vale – Half Time Score – Birmingham City 1-0 2/1
Birmingham are set to be favourites for this EFL Cup tie, despite expectantly heavy rotation. The Blues faced Oxford United this weekend and will be looking to recreate their good momentum heading in at half time. Seung-Ho Paik’s strike in the 40th minute saw Chris Davies’ side take the one-goal advantage just minutes prior to the break. As the home team once more, Birmingham are expected to dominate possession from the offset while searching for an important opening goal.
Port Vale may be able to limit the Blues’ attacking threat by adopting a low block for the majority of the first half. Especially since losing Lorent Tolaj to Plymouth Argyle, the Valiants have looked fairly toothless so far this season – scoring just twice in five opening League One matches. In a pre-season fixture between the two, a 1-0 result at half time for Birmingham would have seen this bet land. Albeit friendly fixtures aren’t a perfect marker for trends in the regular season, but City could punish Darren Moore’s side in a similar way on Tuesday.
The Blues also led their opening round fixture with Sheffield United 1-0 at half time. They eventually progressed as 2-1 winners, due to an 87th-minute goal from Jay Stansfield.
Second Prediction for Birmingham City vs Port Vale – Kyogo Furuhashi to score anytime 1/1
Following a disappointing outing against Gary Rowett’s side at the weekend, former Celtic star, Kyogo Furuhashi, will be motivated to bounce back against weaker opposition. The Japanese striker had three attempts on goal against Oxford, but frustratingly missed some crucial opportunities. If Davies decides to hand Kyogo a further appearance amidst rotation, then the 30-year-old could be expected to finally net his second goal of the season.
Against Sheffield United, in the first round of the Carabao Cup, It took Birmingham just five minutes to break the deadlock. Kyogo tapped home a right-footed shot from close range as Demarai Gray’s delivery was met easily by the Japan international.
Having only been given six games to show his talents at Stade Rennais, Kyogo will be given an elevated platform in the Blues’ front line. Port Vale could be in trouble if the new number nine starts up front.
Third Prediction for Birmingham City vs Port Vale – Ethan Laird to score anytime 9/2
Squad rotation at the weekend was necessary in the left-back position, with Alex Cochrane’s injury allowing Laird to slot into a somewhat unfavourable position. However, with an assist for Paik’s winning goal from this roaming area, the 24-year-old was able to cut inside on his right foot and provide in-swinging deliveries as well as two shots. One came in the 15th minute with a long-ranged attempt; the first was a header on the third-minute mark.
With the attacking freedom that Laird is given on either wing by Davies, the full-back could adopt the left-sided role once more if Cochrane remains a doubt for the Port Vale fixture. As a threat on both flanks and from set-piece routines, Laird may capitalise on a lower-League One level defence sitting back for a large portion and allowing long-ranged efforts from the Blues.
Best Odds for Birmingham City vs Port Vale
| Bookmaker | Birmingham City | Draw | Port Vale |
| MyriadPlay | 9/25 | 15/4 | 6/1 |
| Gentleman Jim | 4/11 | 15/4 | 6/1 |
| Betarno | 38/100 | 15/4 | 11/2 |
Full Preview of the Game – Last Results and Head-to-Head
Port Vale need to turn their form around after a promising start against Cardiff City on the opening match day. Moore’s heavy rotation against Doncaster Rovers resulted in a 1-0 loss as well as questions over the choices. However, a 1-0 win against Blackpool saw the Valiants progress to this second round tie.
Birmingham have been brilliant so far this season. An opening day draw with Ipswich should have seen the Blues take all three points but, against the run of play, George Hirst capitalised on a penalty in the dying minutes. In the opening round of the Carabao Cup, Birmingham progressed as they beat Sheffield United 2-1 at home. A 2-1 victory against Blackburn Rovers has now been followed up by a 1-0 home win versus Oxford United.
The two sides have faced each other on very few occasions in recent times. Prior to a 2-0 victory for Birmingham in pre-season, the Blues last visited Port Vale in 2016. They won 2-0 again with goals from Jack Storer and Paul Caddis.
26/08/2025
League Cup
League Cup
Birmingham Port Vale 0 1 26/07/2025
Club Friendlies
Club Friendlies
Port Vale Birmingham 0 2 10/02/2026
Championship
Championship
Birmingham West Brom 0 0 D 07/02/2026
Championship
Championship
Birmingham Leicester 2 1 W 31/01/2026
Championship
Championship
Oxford Utd Birmingham 0 2 W 24/01/2026
Championship
Championship
Birmingham Stoke 1 1 D 20/01/2026
Championship
Championship
Sheffield Wed Birmingham 0 2 W 10/02/2026
EFL Trophy
EFL Trophy
Port Vale Stockport County 0 4 L 07/02/2026
League One
League One
Port Vale Burton 2 2 D 03/02/2026
League One
League One
Port Vale AFC Wimbledon 0 1 L 31/01/2026
League One
League One
Leyton Orient Port Vale 0 1 W 24/01/2026
League One
League One
Port Vale Exeter 1 3 LConfrontation
Last Results - Birmingham
Last Results - Port Vale
Where to watch Birmingham City vs Port Vale
Where can I watch this Carabao Cup clash, either on TV or in-person?
- Location: St. Andrews @ Knighthead Park, Birmingham
- Date: Tuesday 26th August 2025
- Channel: Live on Sky Sports+ from 7:30pm
Probable Lineups for Birmingham City vs Port Vale
What sort of lineups can we expect for this second round fixture?
Predicted Birmingham City Lineup:
- Lineup: R. Allsop, E. Laird, C. Klarer, E. Cashin, B. Osayi-Samuel, T. Iwata, R. Leonard, T. Doyle, K. Anderson, L. Koumas, K. Furuhashi
- Manager: Chris Davies
- Injured/Suspended: S. Wright, M. Duksch
Predicted Port Vale Lineup:
- Lineup: J. Gauci, L. Gordon, B. Heneghan, C. Humphreys, J. Debrah, M. Clark, F. Ojo, J. Shipley, G. Croasdale, R. Curtis, M. Faal
- Manager: Darren Moore
Media Centre – News about Birmingham City vs Port Vale
Birmingham City – Official Twitter Page
Port Vale – Official Twitter Page
