EFL Cup First Round Preview: Birmingham City vs. Sheffield United

The EFL Cup returns to St. Andrew’s @Knighthead Park on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, as Birmingham City host Sheffield United in a highly anticipated First Round clash. Kick-off is set for 8:00 PM local time, with both Championship sides looking to build early-season momentum.

Birmingham City: Strong Home Form and New Additions

Birmingham City enter the tie on the back of a solid 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town in their Championship opener, where Jay Stansfield found the net before a late penalty denied them all three points. The Blues have been in impressive form recently, winning five of their last six matches and extending their unbeaten home run to 12 games in all competitions. Their defensive organization has been a hallmark of recent success, complemented by consistent attacking returns averaging 1.5 goals per game.

Manager Chris Davies has bolstered his squad significantly over the summer, bringing in players such as Eiran Cashin, Tommy Doyle, and Kyogo Furuhashi. While squad rotation is expected ahead of a weekend league meeting with Blackburn, key threats like Stansfield and Lyndon Dykes are likely to feature. New goalkeeper James Beadle could also make his debut.

Sheffield United: Recovery Needed After Heavy Defeat

Sheffield United began their league campaign with a disappointing 4-1 defeat at home to Bristol City, despite Tyrese Campbell giving them an early lead. Recent form has been mixed, with three wins and two defeats in their last six matches. The Blades have been involved in high-scoring encounters lately but remain vulnerable at the back, having conceded at least twice in several recent games.

Manager Ruben Selles faces the challenge of limited squad depth after a restrained transfer window. New arrivals such as Tyler Bindon and Louie Barry are expected to play, but absences in midfield — including Oliver Arblaster, Tom Davies, and Jamie Shackleton — weaken their core. Jefferson Cáceres has not featured and may soon depart on loan. While their away form is promising with two straight wins, confidence is low after their opening-day setback.

Head-to-Head History

The two sides have met 114 times, with Birmingham holding a narrow lead of 47 wins to Sheffield’s 44, alongside 23 draws. Their most recent meeting came in May 2023, when Sheffield claimed a 2-1 win away. However, Birmingham have triumphed in both prior EFL Cup meetings between the clubs. The past eight encounters have been evenly balanced, with two wins apiece and four draws, and five of Birmingham’s last six games against the Blades producing exactly one goal for each team.

Match Outlook and Prediction

Birmingham’s unbeaten home streak, summer reinforcements, and Sheffield’s defensive frailties point toward a slight advantage for the hosts. However, with both sides likely to rotate their squads, the contest could prove more open than league form suggests. Sheffield’s counter-attacking potential, particularly through Louie Barry, offers a real threat if Birmingham commit too many forward.

Prediction: Birmingham City 2–1 Sheffield United
Expect a competitive, end-to-end battle, with both teams finding the net. Birmingham’s resilience at home should see them edge through to the next round.

Betting Outlook:

• Birmingham to Win (~2.10) – Favors the home unbeaten run and Sheffield’s slow start.

• Over 2.5 Goals (~1.90) – Matches recent high-scoring patterns.

• Both Teams to Score – Yes (~1.75) – Common in recent meetings.

• Correct Score 2–1 Birmingham (~8.00) – A value pick matching prediction.