Birmingham v Reading Betting Tips [16 December 2022]

Matchday 23 in the England Championship kicks off with a Friday fixture when Birmingham City take on Reading at St Andrew’s Stadium. Birmingham come into this match as the favorites given their status as the home team but the Blues have failed to win in their last three previous outings in front of the home support. The hosts last match resulted in a 0-0 away draw against Blackpool, meaning John Eustace’s men have now managed just one win in their last five matches and have sunk down to 15th in the Championship table. Despite their current position, the Blues still find themselves in the playoff hunt as we reach the halfway point of the season. Birmingham trail sixth-place Preston by five points and three-points today could see them jump up as many as five spots in the table.

Standing in their way is a Reading side that come to the Midlands off the back of two straight wins including a 1-0 home victory over Coventry in their most recent fixture. The winning run has the Royals up to eighth in the standings with 10 wins, two draws and 10 defeats on the season. Worryingly for manager Paul Ince’s team is their inconsistencies on the road. Reading have managed just three wins from 11 away trips, which also includes seven losses and a draw. This is in stark contrast to their strong home form which has seen Reading rack up seven wins, one draw and three losses at the Madejski Stadium. Despite their struggles as the visitors, they may be confident of getting a result here given Birmingham’s struggles at home. The home team have managed only three wins in their 11 outings at St Andrews, meaning a close-fought encounter is likely going to be on the cards today.

We’re going to back under 2.5 goals to be scored as our bet for this match. The visitors find themselves in the better form of the two at the moment but their continued struggles away from home could ultimately limit their potential in this match. Similarly, Birmingham have struggled to take the full three points at home all season and are likely in for another close match here. This match likely only sees one or two goals with a draw a very likely result on the day.