Birmingham v Norwich: Tips, predictions & odds

Third-bottom Birmingham are striving to get out of the Championship relegation zone on the final day of the season and they will be targeting a home win over fifth-placed Norwich, who need a point to make absolutely certain of a playoff place.

With only a heavy loss likely to put Norwich's play-off aspirations in any peril, the Blues could be the hungrier side and they are well drilled when it comes to narrowly avoiding the Championship trapdoor.

Birmingham are fancied to pull off another close escape by clipping the wings of the Canaries.

Birmingham v Norwich Predictions

Birmingham to win - 13/10

Birmingham are in the uncomfortable position of approaching their last game of the season from within the relegation zone, but they can give themselves a decent survival chance by defeating promotion-chasing Norwich at St Andrew’s.

Few clubs are more used to fighting Championship relegation battles than Birmingham, who have finished between 17th and 20th in each of the last seven seasons.

And they are in a perilous position this time with a victory required to have a chance of climbing above one of Plymouth, Sheffield Wednesday or Blackburn.

Blues fans have been put through the wringer in recent years but they will be well aware of the crucial role they have to play in helping their team get over the line.

St Andrew’s can be one of the division’s most intimidating venues when home supporters are in full voice and that seems certain to be the case this weekend.

Birmingham fans played their part three weeks ago when roaring the team on to a 3-0 victory over play-off chasing Coventry.

And they can inspire Gary Rowett’s side to see off Norwich, who are almost certain to achieve a top six finish, regardless of the outcome. 

Norwich are fifth going into their final match; one point ahead of sixth-placed West Brom and three clear of seventh-placed Hull, whose goal difference is seven goals inferior.

The Canaries need a point to make absolutely sure of an extended season but their main concern is to avoid a heavy defeat which would give Hull hope of bridging the goal difference gap.

A scenario could develop where Birmingham are holding a narrow lead and Norwich are content to keep it that way.

From a Birmingham perspective only a win will do and their home record (nine wins, six draws and seven defeats) should give them plenty of encouragement.

They have registered home wins over Leeds (1-0) and West Brom (3-1) and were two-nil ahead against Ipswich before conceding two late goals in a 2-2 draw.

Norwich are going to be in for a tough game and they often fail to perform on their Championship travels.

The Canaries’ away points tally (24) is the lowest among the top 14 and it is unlikely to increase this weekend.

Jay Stansfield to score any time – 9/4

Fulham loanee Jay Stansfield has been the standout player in a tough season for Birmingham and he can add to his 12-goal tally on the final day of the season.

Stansfield’s enthusiasm and energy have made him a firm favourite among Blues supporters and the 21-year-old may have one more major contribution to give before returning to his parent club.

There has been a steady progression from Stansfield, who impressed on loan at League One Exeter last season - scoring nine goals in 36 games - before making his mark on the Championship.

He could be ready for regular Premier League action next season and can sign off his spell in the midlands with a possible match-winning contribution.

Krystian Bielik to be carded - 9/4

Birmingham are sure to play with plenty of fire and passion but they must be careful not to overstep the mark and risk going down to ten men.

Three Blues players have totted up double figure yellow card tallies, with Krystian Bielik collecting 12 cautions, and Ivan Sunjic and Jay Stansfield on ten each.

Bielik started off the season in a holding midfield role but has been converted to a central defender.

The Polish international has put in some decent performances at the heart of the back line but is often forced into making last-ditch actions and his yellow card count has been going through the roof.

Bielilk has been cautioned in six of his last 11 appearances and he looks a solid bet for a booking against Norwich at 9/4.

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Birmingham v Norwich odds

Birmingham - 13/10
Draw - 5/2
Norwich - 2/1

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.