Birmingham City host fellow Championship side Sheffield United in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Birmingham City made their return to the Championship on Friday night after a year in League One. BCFC drew 1-1 with Ipswich Town after a late George Hirst penalty meant Chris Davies could not take all three points.
The Blues have had yet another exciting transfer window with some high-profile names coming onboard. Kyogo Furuhashi is the clear standout, and he impressed on his debut last weekend.
Image courtesy of: CAT GORYN/REUTERS.
Attentions go to the cup in midweek though, and no doubt BCFC will be able to field a strong side. BCFC have an incredibly strong squad for a side coming up from League One.
As for Sheffield United, they could not have started the new season any worse. After a summer of much discourse, the Blades were then beaten 4-1 at home to Bristol City on the opening day of the season.
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After beating Bristol City very comfortably in last season’s play-off semi-finals, Sheffield United were clear favourites. Ruben Selles, who took over after the controversial sacking of Chris Wilder, has a lot of work to do to win over the Blades faithful.
Sheffield United have not had the most active transfer window, but have made a couple of standout signings. Louie Barry was a very highly sought-after man, and Djibril Soumare comes in high regard.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
Charlie Hodgson
“This could be a very interesting game. So many players have points to prove for both sides, with both having such big squads.
“Birmingham City will be disappointed to have not won on the opening day, but can take a lot of pride from their performance. Sheffield United on the other hand, are the polar opposite, and they will likely be glad they have a cup game in such a quick turnaround.
Image courtesy of: ED SYKES/REUTERS.
“Very hard game to predict here, given the unknowns of the teams both sides will put out.
“I can see the home side edging it. Birmingham City just have everything going for them right now, the mood is positive and that will be evident at St Andrews.”
Prediction: Birmingham City 2-1 Sheffield United
Chris Bagnall
“Learning from what we saw over the opening weekend in the Championship, what’s clear is Ruben Selles has had a rude awakening at the blades. They are seemingly incredibly lop-sided from the final third back to their own third, leaning heavily and hopefully into the three star attackers at their disposal in Gustavo Hamer, Louie Barry and Callum O’Hare.
“The ease in which Bristol City swathed through them will be eye opening for Chris Davies; who’s Birmingham City side largely played early title favourites Ipswich Town off the park and were only denied a win by a late dubious penalty.
“BCFC will be looking to use fortress St. Andrew’s to progress and Selles will be hoping for an immediate reaction to quell the unease around his own fans. Patient build up and heavy possession in their own half will no doubt pull the Blades’ attackers and midfield right up. A high risk game of Cat and Mouse will ensue leading to either errors, counter opportunities or both.
“All things considered, I think with the Aston Villa influence in O’Hare and Barry and the extra spice that brings, they’ll raise their game and narrowly fall short against Blues. I think there’s an entertaining tie here.”
Prediction: Birmingham City 3-2 Sheffield United