Birmingham vs Derby: Boxing Day Mid-Table Derby

It's Boxing Day in the Championship! A tradition in English football. On December 26th, 14th-placed Birmingham faces 12th-placed Derby at St. Andrew's. The two teams are only 2 positions apart in the standings, and both have a goal difference of +1. Could it be any tighter?

Birmingham City (14th)

• ●Season Record: 8 wins, 5 draws, 9 losses (22 matches)
• ●Goals: 30 goals / Conceded: 29 goals (Goal Difference +1)
• ●Last 6 matches: 1 win, 2 draws, 3 losses (83% without a win)
• ●Last 3 Home matches: 2 wins, 1 draw (Undefeated!)
• ●Home Possession: 59.7%
• ●Last 20 Home matches: 17 matches undefeated

Birmingham is a peculiar team. Overall, they haven't won in 4 consecutive matches, but they are a completely different team at home. They are undefeated in their last 3 home games and have remained undefeated in 17 out of 20 matches. They dominate the game with nearly 60% possession. St. Andrew's is a real fortress for Birmingham.

Derby County (12th)

• ●Season Record: 8 wins, 7 draws, 7 losses (22 matches)
• ●Goals: 31 goals / Conceded: 30 goals (Goal Difference +1)
• ●Last 6 matches: 2 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses
• ●Average Goals Scored: 1.5 goals / Average Goals Conceded: 1.33 goals
• ●Last 3 Away matches: 2 wins, 1 loss
• ●Away Possession: 41.14%
• ●Last 14 matches: 7 wins (50% Win Rate)

Derby is in a similar situation. They have the same number of wins as Birmingham with 8, and the same goal difference of +1. However, Derby is a team that draws a lot. They have 7 draws. They have low possession away from home, but they get good results. Their away win rate in the last 10 games is 50%. They are a team that fights efficiently even with less of the ball.