Key Points
- Birmingham City host Stoke City in the Championship at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park on January 24, 2026, at 15:00 UTC.
- Birmingham City have won three of their last four matches across all competitions after a seven-game winless run.
- Stoke City suffered a home defeat to Middlesbrough and will be without suspended player Bosun Lawal and injured goalkeeper Victor Johansson.
- Birmingham City recently secured a league victory at Sheffield Wednesday with goals from Marvin Ducksch and Kyogo Furuhashi.
- Stoke City face defensive shortages, with Eric Bocat likely to start in place of the suspended Lawal.
- Birmingham City currently rank 13th in the Championship, while Stoke City hold 7th position.
- Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has expressed confidence in his team’s improved form.
Birmingham (Birmingham Express) January 23, 2026 – Birmingham City welcome Stoke City to St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park for a crucial Championship encounter on Saturday, aiming to build on their recent resurgence while the visitors grapple with key absences.
The Blues have reignited their top-six ambitions with three wins in their last four outings across all competitions, including a vital 2-0 victory at Sheffield Wednesday earlier this week. Stoke City, meanwhile, lost at home to promotion-chasing Middlesbrough and must cope without midfielder Bosun Lawal, who received a red card in that match.
What recent form shapes this Championship clash?
Birmingham City endured a challenging festive period with a seven-game winless streak, comprising three draws and four losses in the Championship. However, they have since turned their fortunes around, securing victories in the FA Cup against Cambridge United, a point at Swansea City, and their first league away win since October against Sheffield Wednesday. Goals from Marvin Ducksch and Kyogo Furuhashi sealed that important result, boosting morale ahead of hosting Stoke.
According to Sports Mole, Birmingham City manager Chris Priske could make his first appearance for the hosts, with Jhon Solis vying for a start after an impactful substitute role at Sheffield Wednesday. The team remains unbeaten in their last eight home matches in the league, providing a strong foundation for this fixture.
How do injuries and suspensions impact Stoke City?
Stoke City head into the match on the back of a disappointing home defeat to Middlesbrough, exacerbating their defensive woes. Bosun Lawal’s red card in that game rules him out through suspension, forcing changes at the back. Frenchman Eric Bocat is expected to step into the starting lineup, while first-choice goalkeeper Victor Johansson continues his recovery from a shoulder injury.
As reported by Sports Mole, the Potters are stretched thin in defensive areas, which could prove costly against a resurgent Birmingham side. Stoke currently sit seventh in the Championship table, but their recent results have dented their promotion push.
Which players could decide the outcome?
Birmingham City’s attacking form has been key to their revival, with Ducksch and Furuhashi proving decisive lately. Solis’s emergence adds depth, potentially troubling Stoke’s depleted defence. For the visitors, maintaining possession and exploiting counter-attacks will be vital, though the absence of Lawal and Johansson limits their options.
What do predictions suggest for the result?
Sports Mole predicts a 2-1 victory for Birmingham City, citing their improved away form and home unbeaten streak, now extended to potential nine matches. The analysis highlights Stoke’s vulnerability following Lawal’s dismissal, positioning the Blues as favourites in the Second City derby atmosphere.
Sofascore notes Birmingham City’s 13th place and Stoke’s seventh, with community votes leaning towards the hosts. Forebet and other previews echo the expectation of a competitive match, with Birmingham’s momentum giving them the edge.
Birmingham City manager Chris Davies stated on the club’s official site that he feels his team has turned a corner, reflecting optimism as they prepare to face Stoke. Tickets for the match are sold out, according to Stoke City FC, underscoring the anticipation surrounding this Championship showdown.
