* 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.
I think it’s fair to say that both Birmingham and Derby have overachieved so far this season and, yes, I know we’re only five games in. But, still. Lee Bowyer’s Blues finished 18th last season and were certainly expected to improve under his management.
Wayne Rooney’s Rams only avoided the drop because of Sheffield Wednesday’s points deduction and were expected to be rock bottom with probably close to zero points after a transfer embargo and utterly shambolic summer. Yet, these two are 8th and 15th respectively.
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Of course it’s early doors but there’s hope that both sides could maintain their early-season form and do alright this term. Either way someone’s probably going to be disappointed under the Friday night lights as Derby make the relatively short trip to face Birmingham City on the telly at St Andrew’s.
We’ve got plenty of big names in action too, Soccer Aid’s Rooney will be prowling the touchline, organising his merry band of geriatric former Premier League performers as Troy Deeney makes his debut for his boyhood club City. So, who’s coming out on top? Let’s try and work in out with the help of a Bet Builder.
These picks in a Paddy Power Bet Builder will give you odds of around 27/1. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Friday 8pm: Birmingham City v Derby County
Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football
The Draw
I know loads of people think The Draw is mere lily-livered fence sitting but a stalemate is the most-likely outcome here. As I’ve said, Derby have surprised me so far this season and they’ve drawn 60% of their games.
For The Blues it’s 40% and in total these two sides have drawn five out of their 10 combined games. County clearly have a resolute mentality and they’ve only actually lost once in The Championship this season. They’re hard to beat and, while Birmingham City are getting better, they’ve only scored more than once on one occasion so far.
Despite the arrival of Troy Deeney I’m not sure they have the firepower to easily roll Derby over so, in a tight game, The Draw is the result I’m most happy to side with.
Under 2.5 Goals
In these two’s combined 10 Championship games, Over 2.5 Goals has only landed twice. City thrashed Luton 5-0 and Derby went down 2-1 to Peterborough in the other. Other than that outlier for The Blues they’ve scored just two goals.
Derby have scored just four goals in five games this season, never scoring twice in the same match. These numbers are all factored into my Draw punt first up. Need I say more here, though? We’re on Under 2.5 Goals.
Scott Hogan to Have 2 or More Shots
Birmingham City forward Scott Hogan is the man to have scored the most goals this season out of any player taking to the field on Friday night. He’s only netted on two occasions but in a fixture lacking in goals that could be key.
He’s had nine shots in five appearances this term and even I can work out that’s just under two a game. He’s had the third-most shots out of these two sets of players as well so Scott Hogan to Have 2 or More Shots feels like a good bet.
Troy Deeney to Score Anytime
This should be good fun, Troy Deeney at Birmingham City. The Watford legend finally left Vicarage Road this summer to join the club he supported as a boy and it’s fair to say he’s over the moon.
The 33-year-old has bags of nous and experience which should be absolutely vital to City’s largely misfiring attack and could be the key to unlocking Derby’s backline. I think this is going to be low scoring, but that Premier League experience could pay dividends with Deeney to Score Anytime.
Birmingham v Derby Bet Builder
The Draw
Under 2.5 Goals
Scott Hogan to have 2 or More shots
Troy Deeney to Score Anytime
These picks in a Paddy Power Bet Builder will give you odds of around 27/1. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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* 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.
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