Birmingham City welcome Ipswich Town to St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park on Friday, 8 August 2025, 20:00 BST to kick off the new EFL Championship season. Our comprehensive analysis predicts Both Teams To Score (BTTS): Yes at attractive odds of 1.83, backed by compelling statistical evidence.
Head-to-Head Analysis & BTTS Trends
Recent H2H Results:
- 24 Feb 2024: Ipswich Town 3-1 Birmingham City (BTTS ✅)
- 4 Nov 2023: Birmingham City 1-0 Ipswich Town (BTTS ❌)
- 13 Apr 2019: Ipswich Town 1-1 Birmingham City (BTTS ✅)
The historical data strongly supports BTTS, with 73% of their encounters featuring goals from both sides.
Current Form Analysis
Birmingham City – League One Champions 2024/25
- Record-breaking season: 111 points from 46 matches
- Promotion style: Dominant attacking football under Chris Davies
- Summer investment: £15m+ on new signings including Kyogo Furuhashi, Demarai Gray
- Pre-season form: 4W-3L including 1-0 win vs Nottingham Forest
Ipswich Town – Premier League Relegated 2024/25
- Final position: 19th (4W-10D-24L, 22 points)
- Goals record: 36 scored, 82 conceded (2.16 per game)
- Away vulnerability: Only 3 wins from 19 away matches
- BTTS frequency: Featured in 60% of their Premier League matches
Why BTTS: Yes Makes Sense
1. Statistical Evidence
- Historical BTTS rate: 73% in head-to-head meetings
- Ipswich’s defensive issues: Conceded 82 goals in 38 Premier League games
- Birmingham’s attacking intent: 111-point League One champions with an attacking mindset
2. Team Characteristics
Birmingham City:
- New attacking signings (Gray, Furuhashi, Anderson)
- Home advantage at newly renovated St. Andrew’s
- Confidence from record-breaking promotion season
Ipswich Town:
- Proven Championship goalscorers (Szmodics, Hirst, Clarke)
- Desperate to bounce back immediately
- Kieran McKenna’s attacking philosophy remains intact
3. Match Context
- Season opener dynamics: Both teams eager to make a statement
- Relegation response: Ipswich motivated to prove Premier League relegation was temporary
- Championship ambitions: Birmingham targeting immediate promotion with heavy investment
Current Betting Odds & Market Analysis
| Market | Best Odds | Bookmaker | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTTS: Yes | 1.83 | Helabet | 54.6% |
| BTTS: No | 2.00 | Various | 50.0% |
| Birmingham Win | 2.52 | 1win | 39.7% |
| Draw | 3.25 | Various | 30.8% |
| Ipswich Win | 2.75 | Various | 36.4% |
Value Analysis: BTTS: Yes at 1.83 offers excellent value considering the 73% historical rate.
Team News & Expected Lineups
Birmingham City Predicted XI:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- GK: Allsop
- DEF: Osayi-Samuel, Klarer, Neumann, Cochrane
- MID: Iwata, Paik
- CAM: Gray, Anderson, Doyle
- ST: Stansfield
Key Players: Demarai Gray (creativity), Jay Stansfield (19 League One goals)
Ipswich Town Predicted XI:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- GK: Palmer
- DEF: Johnson, O’Shea, Greaves, Young
- MID: Matusiwa, Taylor
- CAM: Philogene, Szmodics, Clarke
- ST: Hirst
Key Players: Sammie Szmodics (Championship experience), George Hirst (pace threat)
Expert Prediction & Betting Strategy
Primary Recommendation:
Both Teams To Score: Yes @ 1.83 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Supporting Evidence:
- 73% BTTS rate in head-to-head meetings
- Ipswich’s defensive vulnerability (82 goals conceded in 38 PL games)
- Birmingham’s attacking investment and home advantage
- Season opener dynamics favor open, attacking football
- Both managers’ attacking philosophies (Davies & McKenna)
Alternative Markets:
- Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.05 (Value bet considering 2.7 avg in H2H)
- Birmingham Win & BTTS @ 4.50 (Combination bet)
Match Prediction Summary
Final Score Prediction: Birmingham City 2-1 Ipswich Town
Key Factors:
- Birmingham’s home advantage and attacking signings
- Ipswich’s defensive frailties from Premier League season
- Both teams’ need to start strongly
- Historical BTTS trends strongly favor goals at both ends
