Bet Builder Tips: Our punchy 12/1 punt for Derby v Birmingham on Sunday

Our footie tipster Andrew Cunneen has studied the form so you don't have to.

* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that football clubs are just private companies. And that occasionally rears its ugly head when things go sour. On Sunday, Derby entertain Birmingham City and the focus on-field is absolutely unimportant in the grand scheme of things.

The hosts are awaiting the result of three bids for the club. Already down significant points due to EFL rulings, Derby’s performances have been nothing short of admirable and in many ways, their off-field issues have sharpened their focus and put things into perspective.

1:30pm: Derby v Birmingham City
Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports Football

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Birmingham are on the opposite end of this spectrum. They’re in trouble, but nobody truly understands their ownership issues. It’s impacting their on-field performance and not just in the recruitment side of things. Players can sense the angst from fans; angst that’s become more anger than anything else.

Derby understand their fate and exactly what’s going on, while Birmingham are still in the dark. For two historically-rich clubs, this fate is far less than they both deserve. But with all that off-field misery, there’s an easier perspective shone on the actual football, which, like it or not, can act as a distraction even still.

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*A Bet Builder with these four best bets pays at approximately 12/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

Derby to Win

It’s just the situation they’re in now. Presuming they’re saved, it’s quite the uptick for their careers if they manage to overcome the sanctions of that size – and the focus they can carry into this game because of that narrative is huge. Yes, losing a derby only a week beforehand can be deflating, but rivalries take on a life of their own and genuinely, I’m not sure the psychology around them matters a huge amount going forward.

Derby had won four of the five games they played prior to that while Birmingham had to strike very late not to be beaten at home to Peterborough. There’s only one result here.

Over 2.5 Goals

Birmingham have conceded 22 times in their last eight Championship games. That average alone surely lands this leg of the bet builder.

But fortunately the Blues themselves have Scott Hogan in fine form and a genuine difference maker at this level in Troy Deeney. Not to mention Onel Hernandez being a great loan signing.

WayneRooneyDerbyNov21

Both Teams to Score

Birmingham haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last eight games, while they’ve netted themselves in eight of their last nine.

It’s a rare, rare day when the result is clear from the off when Lee Bowyer’s charges are in town. Also, the fact remains that Derby haven’t failed to score at home since early October.

Tom Lawrence to Score Anytime

Birmingham, more than almost any other team in the Championship, succumb to any forward that likes to take a touch inside their box.

They stand off and stand off for fear of giving away a penalty. I will now direct you back to Derby’s win over Sheffield United and show you who netted twice when given too much time inside the box. There we go.

Derby v Birmingham tips:

Derby to Win
Over 2.5 Goals
Both Teams to Score
Tom Lawrence to Score Anytime

*A Bet Builder with these four best bets pays at approximately 12/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

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