It has been a season of mixed feelings for Birmingham City to this point. The signing of Troy Deeney was a high point, as the former Watford striker signed for his boyhood club. However, with the race for the Championship playoff spots more unpredictable than ever this term, could we see the Blues make a charge up the standings to compete for one of the top six spots?
Early Season Form Quickly Faded Away
It was a very promising start to the 2021-22 season for the Blues, as they sat fourth after six rounds of fixtures. A 2-0 home win against Derby County in September ensured that they firmly sat inside the top half of the standings, having won three of their opening six games. However, a downfall did follow after that win, with five defeats in their next six games. Defensively, the Blues were all over the place in those games, as they allowed 13 goals during that run.
However, a 1-0 defeat against West Bromwich Albion in the middle of October turned out to be a morale-boosting performance for the Blues. Birmingham shouldn’t have lost that game at the Hawthorns, as they played well and had the majority of the best chances. That performance was used to get out of their free-fall, as they draw 0-0 away from home against Huddersfield in their next fixture.
Recent Upturn Bolds Well
Since that 0-0 draw against Huddersfield, the Blues have won three of their last four games. They recorded three straight wins against talented opposition in Swansea City, Middlesbrough, and Bristol City, before a first defeat in five came against Reading before the international break.
However, there were more than enough positives from that run, which could highlight that the Blues can go on a winning sequence of games after the international break. Momentum is everything in the Championship, and games against Hull City, Coventry, and Blackpool should ensure that the Blues confidence is high. In truth, Birmingham have a decent run of games over the festive period aside from Fulham on Boxing Day. The Blues will welcome Peterborough and QPR to the Midlands, before travelling to Preston in the middle of January.
Could They Make The Playoffs?
The beauty of the Championship is that every team can dream of making the playoffs. However, Birmingham’s plans could likely hinge on whether they can keep hold of Tahith Chong, who has been instrumental since signing on loan from Manchester United. The 21-year-old has already recorded two assists in the Championship this season, and is their leading light in the attacking third. However, confidence is high from Lee Bowyer that a deal can be struck.
Birmingham will go into the round of games after the international break in 15th, but only a four-point gap stands between themselves and the playoff spots. Many of the best sports betting apps have Blues as huge outsiders to gain promotion this season, but a strong run of form over the coming months could enhance their chances immeasurably.
