As the 2025 Sky Bet Championship season approaches its conclusion, a pivotal fixture awaits Birmingham City and Southampton. The two teams will clash at St Andrew’s Stadium on Monday, December 29, kicking off at 8:15 PM GMT.
The Match Details
- Fixture: Birmingham City vs Southampton
- Competition: Sky Bet Championship
- Date: 29th December 2025
- Time: 8:15 PM GMT
- Venue: St Andrew’s Stadium, Knighthead Park
Match Officials
- Referee: Matthew Donohue
- Assistants: Jacob Graham, Andrew Dallison
- Fourth Official: James Bell
Team Updates
Birmingham City
Birmingham City faces challenges heading into the match. Key player Demari Gray suffered an injury during the previous game and had to be taken off after 16 minutes. Additionally, captain Christoph Klarer is suspended after receiving a red card in the last fixture against Derby County.
Southampton
Despite their recent loss to Oxford, Southampton emerged without significant injuries. Head Coach Tonda Eckert is expected to have Elias Jelert available for selection, improving their squad depth as they aim for an upward trajectory in the league.
What’s at Stake?
Both teams are in crucial phases of the season. For Southampton, a victory could propel them back into the top ten of the Championship. They are eager to recover from the Boxing Day defeat and make significant progress in the standings.
Manager Insights
Chris Davies (Birmingham City)
Chris Davies acknowledged the team’s struggles but remains optimistic. “We’ve been competitive and need to improve,” he stated. He emphasized the team’s strong home record and the need for a better performance in the latter half of the season.
Tonda Eckert (Southampton)
Coach Eckert stressed the importance of playing to their strengths in upcoming matches. He urged the team to build momentum as they head into a critical phase of their campaign.
Players to Watch
- Jay Stansfield (Birmingham City): Aiming to break a five-match goal drought, Stansfield’s performance could be vital for a turnaround.
- Leo Scienza (Southampton): He provided an assist recently and will be a key player in creating offensive opportunities.
Current Form
| Team | Recent Results |
|---|---|
| Birmingham City | D, L, D, L, L |
| Southampton | L, D, L, W, W |
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches Played: 51
- Birmingham Wins: 17
- Draws: 11
- Southampton Wins: 23
This matchup is essential for both teams as they look to enhance their standings in the league. Southampton will aim to end the year on a high note, while Birmingham seeks to break their winless streak. Fans can watch the match live on Sky Sports Football or through the Saints Play service for those overseas.
