Birmingham v Blackpool: Blues’ home form can see deficit defied
Published:Birmingham kick off on the wrong end of a 1-0 aggregate scoreline on Wednesday, at 4/5 to beat Blackpool in 90 minutes to have any chance of progressing to Wembley.
Their first leg defeat at Bloomfield Road was their first in nine games, and the travelling Tangerines are 10/3 to complete consecutive victories over the Blues.
Meanwhile, the draw is a 5/2 chance, and this outcome could see some interest after the teams played out a 2-2 stalemate during the regular Championship season.
However, it is well worth noting that Chris Hughton’s side lost just once on their own patch in 23 league outings this term, and will take immense confidence from their 3-0 St. Andrew’s win over the Seasiders.
A repeat of that scoreline is priced at a big 12/1, and this appeals considering the majority of Birmingham’s home wins this campaign came in this fashion.
Bearing in mind the Blues have the division’s stingiest home defensive record, they could be worth taking on at 9/4 to win to nil, or can alternatively be backed at 6/4 to keep a clean sheet.
However, both teams’ impressive goalscoring exploits throughout the season, which have reaped a combined total of more than 150 goals, could tempt some punters to back both to score at 8/11.
Hughton’s charges could too find some support to win a match involving three or more goals, which is afforded a 9/4 price, as they aim to make an immediate Premier League return.
Marlon King has enjoyed an impressive season, notching 18 times en route to Birmingham’s 4th placed finish, and he is 5/1 favourite to get the opener on Wednesday.
Stephen Dobbie looked very lively in the first leg of this tie meanwhile, and scored twice in last year’s playoff campaign with Swansea.
He could prove the visitors’ biggest threat on Wednesday, at 7/1 to break the deadlock.
