Birmingham City vs Sheffield United Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | EFL Cup 2025-26 First Round

The Blades came out on top to secure a win when they last faced the Blues.

Birmingham City are all set to square it off against Sheffield United in the first round 2025-26 EFL Cup fixture. It is going to be an intense fixture between these clubs and will take place at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

Birmingham City will be at home and will be looking to use it as one of their advantages. They will be looking out for a win as there is no margin for error. The Blues were held to a draw by Ipswich Town in their last match.

It was an English League Championship game. As things ended on level terms for them, they dropped a couple of points.

Sheffield United are coming in with a couple of lacklustre performances. In their opening game of the 2025-26 season, they were dominated by Bristol City. They conceded four goals and were only able to score a single goal.

For the upcoming game, they need to come up with a unique strategy as it is not going to be an easy fixture for them.

Kick-off:

• Location: Birmingham, England
• Stadium: St. Andrews @ Knighthead Park
• Date: Thursday, August 14
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 a.m. IST (Wednesday, August 13; 07:00 p.m. GMT/ 03:00 p.m. ET/ 12:00 p.m. PT)
• Referee: Gavin Ward
• VAR: Not in use

Form:

Birmingham City: L-W-L-W-D

Sheffield United: W-W-W-L-L

Players to Watch

Jay Stansfield (Birmingham City)

Jay Stansfield is going to play an important role for Birmingham City in their upcoming Carabao Cup fixture. He is coming in after scoring a goal against Ipswich Town in their last match. From controlling the midfield to being a lethal asset in the attacking front, the 22-year-old Englishman might make a difference here.

A top celebration to match a top finish. 🥶Stanno. Off the mark in 2025/26.

— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) August 9, 2025

Tyrese Campbell (Sheffield United)

In the final third for the Blades, Tyrese Campbell will have a crucial part to play. The 25-year-old English striker has scored two goals in the last two matches for Sheffield United. He will be looking to step up as the upcoming fixture is not going to be an easy contest for them at all.

Match Facts

• Sheffield United have not been able to maintain a clean sheet in their last four matches.
• The Blades are on a two-match losing streak.
• Birmingham City have not won any of their last three games against Sheffield United.

Birmingham City vs Sheffield United: Betting Tips and Odds

• Birmingham City to win @5/4 WilliamHill
• Jay Stansfield to score @13/2 Sky Bet
• Goals under 3.5 @3/10 bet365

Injury and Team News

Birmingham City will be without the services of Kanya Fujimoto, Marvin Ducksch and Scott Wright as they are injured.

Jamie Shackleton, Ollie Arblaster and Tom Davies will miss out for Sheffield United as they are injured.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 114

Birmingham City won: 47

Sheffield United won: 44

Draws: 23

Predicted Lineups

Birmingham City predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Allsop (GK); Osayi-Samuel, Neumann, Klarer, Cochrane; Iwata, Seung-Ho; Gray, Stansfield, Anderson; Furuhashi

Sheffield United predicted lineup (4-1-4-1)

Cooper (GK); Seriki, Bindon, Norrington-Davies, Burrows; Peck; Brooks, O’Hare, Hamer, Barry; Campbell

Match Prediction

This will be an important contest for both of these sides, and the winning club will proceed further in the tournament. Birmingham City are likely to come out on top to secure a win against Sheffield United in their upcoming first-round fixture of the EFL Cup 2025-26.

Prediction: Birmingham City 2-1 Sheffield United

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

UK: Sky Sports Football

US: Paramount+

Nigeria: SuperSport

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