Birmingham City are predicted to secure a play-off place in the upcoming Championship season, with reporters Alex Dicken and Brian Dick forecasting a 7th or 8th-place finish. The Blues begin their campaign with a trip to Sheffield United on Saturday, aiming to improve on last season's 10th-place finish and a poor away record.
Play-Off Hopes and Promotion Predictions
In the Keep Right On Podcast, both Dicken and Dick tipped West Ham to win the Championship, with Middlesbrough also predicted to gain promotion. Dicken named Norwich as the third promoted team, while Dick chose Southampton. All three relegated teams were predicted as Bolton, Lincoln, and Blackburn.
The play-offs have been extended to eighth place, meaning Blues must finish in the top third of the table to have a chance of reaching the Premier League. Chris Davies's side have added six players to their squad, including midfielder Max Bird from Bristol City, and are looking to build on their 10th-place finish.
Blues' Predicted Finish and Key Players
Dicken predicts Blues will finish 7th, citing continuity and improved physicality as key factors. "They've clearly learnt their lessons away from home and have a lot more physicality about them now," he said. However, he believes teams like West Ham, Wolves, Southampton, Middlesbrough, and Burnley have stronger squads.
Dick predicts an 8th-place finish, emphasizing the need for more goals. "It was 57 last season, they need to be up in the seventies," he said. He highlighted the importance of set pieces and counter-attacks, and the potential return of Ibrahim Osman to boost their attacking options.
EFL expert Gab Sutton, speaking via Bet365 News, also predicts Blues to finish 7th. "I've got a few reasons to believe we will improve on last season, not drastically, but enough to make the top-eight," he said. Sutton believes Luis Vazquez could complement Jay Stansfield, helping him have a big season.
Breakthrough Season and Bold Predictions
Dicken backs August Priske for a breakthrough season, predicting double figures in goals and 30-35 starts. Dick chooses James Beadle, who he believes is returning as a more confident and assertive goalkeeper. "The save he pulled off against Swansea, low to his left, might be the best save he's pulled off in a Blues shirt," Dick said.
For bold predictions, Dicken expects Jay Stansfield to score 20 goals in all competitions, while Dick predicts Carlos Vicente will make the Championship Team of the Year. These predictions highlight the optimism surrounding Blues' attacking potential and individual talent ahead of the new season.
