Birmingham City’s Sustainability Chances Given By Supercomputer

According to Opta’s most recent data, Birmingham City are more likely to be relegated to League One at the end of the season than to remain in the Championship.

Two weeks ago, the Blues defeated Coventry City 3-0, snapping a ten-match winless streak. This win provided the West Midlands club with a great opportunity to gain momentum heading into the closing weeks of the season, with a trip to already-relegated Rotherham United coming up next.

However, the Millers were bolstered by Steve Evans’ return to the dugout after Leam Richardson’s quick departure on Monday afternoon. In Evans’ first game back at the New York Stadium, his team fought hard to secure a goalless draw – a “workman-like performance,” in his words.

It was a decent win for Rotherham, who had already been demoted, but a devastating point for Birmingham City, who fell into the relegation zone after Sheffield Wednesday won 3-1 at Ewood Park on Sunday.

Gary Rowett’s side may now need to pick up at least four points from their next two games – away at Huddersfield Town and at home to Norwich City on the last day – to avoid relegation, which is becoming increasingly doubtful.

According to Opta’s most recent forecasts, Birmingham have a slightly better chance of getting relegated when the season finishes at 53.6% than the Blues have of remaining in England’s second tier (46.4%). Only Huddersfield and, of course, Rotherham have a worse chance of avoiding relegation.

This Saturday’s game at the John Smith’s Stadium may be the season-ender for Birmingham City, leaving them second from bottom before hosting the Canaries on the final day of the season.

Nonetheless, if Sheffield Wednesday wins in West Yorkshire this weekend, they will face West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland in the coming weeks.