Match Facts: Birmingham City vs. Hull City

Birmingham City host Hull City at St Andrew’s in a Matchweek clash that promises a dynamic battle in the 2025-26 EFL Championship season. Chris Davies’ Birmingham City, after a strong 2024-25 League One campaign and promotion, started with a 2-1 win over Wrexham, driven by Jay Stansfield’s finishing and Krystian Bielik’s defensive leadership. Tim Walter’s Hull City, aiming to improve on a mid-table 2024-25 finish, secured a 1-1 draw against Millwall, with Oscar Estupiñán’s goal-scoring and Jean Michaël Seri’s midfield control shining through. This matchup pits Birmingham City’s high-pressing, attacking style against Hull City’s possession-based approach, with key battles in midfield and on the wings set to shape the outcome. St Andrew’s passionate crowd will create a charged atmosphere, urging Birmingham City to build on their early momentum, while Hull City aim to climb the table. Expect a competitive, high-energy game with both sides eager to secure vital points.

Insights

• Birmingham City’s 2-1 win over Wrexham highlighted Stansfield’s clinical edge, but they conceded late. They won 12 of 23 home games in 2024-25 League One.
• Hull City’s 1-1 draw with Millwall showed Estupiñán’s threat, but defensive lapses remain. They won three of their last eight away games in 2024-25.
• Birmingham City’s 4-2-3-1 setup emphasizes quick transitions, with Stansfield leading and Bielik anchoring defense. Hull City’s 4-3-3 focuses on fluidity, with Seri dictating play.
• Stansfield vs. Hull City’s Alfie Jones will be key, as Stansfield’s movement faces Jones’ defensive nous.
• Birmingham City and Hull City last met in the 2022-23 Championship, with Hull City winning 2-1 at St Andrew’s, but Birmingham City won the reverse fixture.
• A win could propel Birmingham City into the play-off spots, while Hull City aim to solidify their top-half position.
• Birmingham City’s Emil Hansson is doubtful with a minor knock, while Hull City’s Cody Drameh is pushing for a start.
• St Andrew’s vocal fans will create a hostile environment, with Hull City’s supporters aiming to match their intensity.

Match Forecasts

• Jay Stansfield could exploit Hull City’s high line with his pace, potentially scoring from crosses or through balls.
• Oscar Estupiñán’s physicality may test Birmingham City’s center-backs, especially from set pieces.
• Birmingham City’s set-piece strength, with six goals from corners in 2024-25, could target Hull City’s vulnerability in defending dead balls.
• Substitutes like Birmingham City’s Keshi Anderson or Hull City’s Abdülkadir Ömür could shift momentum late with their flair.
• Hull City’s midfield control may frustrate Birmingham City’s pressing, but their full-backs could be exposed by Birmingham City’s wingers.
• Expect a fast-paced first half with Birmingham City pushing forward, followed by a tactical second half as Hull City counter.
• If level late, Birmingham City’s home crowd could inspire a winner, but Hull City’s pace makes them dangerous on the counter.

Match Facts

• Birmingham City have won three of seven matches against Hull City in the Championship since 2017, with two draws and two losses. Their last meeting at St Andrew’s ended 2-1 to Hull City.
• St Andrew’s, capacity 29,409, saw Birmingham City lose only four home games in 2024-25 League One, making it a fortress.
• Referee Andy Davies, officiating this match, averaged 3.8 yellow cards per game in 2024-25 and officiated Birmingham City’s 1-0 win over Bolton last season.
• Sky Sports+ will broadcast live in the UK, with coverage starting at 14:30 BST. ESPN+ streams the match in the US at 10:00 AM ET.
• Birmingham’s weather forecast predicts cloudy skies, 15°C (59°F), with a 20% chance of light rain, unlikely to affect play.
• A win would mark Birmingham City’s 50th home victory since their 2024 promotion. Hull City are chasing their 100th second-tier win since 2016.
• Jay Stansfield is two goals shy of 20 goals for Birmingham City, a milestone he could reach in this match.