Birmingham City vs Preston North End Prediction: Birmingham are just above relegation zone

Birmingham will welcome Preston at St. Andrew's Stadium in Game Week 40 of the English Championship. Birmingham are just above relegation zone on goal difference. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

After being shockingly sacked by a struggling ownership eight years ago, Gary Rowett made his return to the Birmingham City managerial position on Friday as his team faced relegation rivals QPR in London. Unfortunately, the 50-year-old did not have a successful reunion this time around. Juninho Bacuna's goal gave Birmingham City the lead in the second half, but they were quickly equalized by Steve Cook. In stoppage time, Jimmy Dunne scored a long-range goal to secure a victory for QPR.

Following Tony Mowbray's departure for medical treatment, Birmingham City has only earned one point in their last seven Championship matches. This poor run of form has put them in danger of relegation to League One for the second time in their history. The team currently sits in 21st place in the league standings, ahead of Huddersfield Town in 22nd place based on goal difference.

With Lukas Jutkiewicz playing a smaller role in the starting lineup this season, Jay Stansfield and Jordan James have taken on the responsibility of scoring goals for Birmingham City. Stansfield has scored nine goals, while James has scored eight in the 2023-24 season.

Ruddy; Aiwu, Sanderson, Buchanan; Laird, James, Bielik, Drameh; Bacuna, Miyoshi, Stansfield

After struggling towards the end of 2023, Preston has given their slim chances of finishing in the top six a significant boost recently with consecutive victories over Plymouth Argyle and Rotherham. They defeated Rotherham on Good Friday, with Emil Riis Jakobsen scoring twice and Duane Holmes adding another goal. With only one loss in their last ten games, Preston has moved up to eighth in the Championship table. They are now five points behind Norwich City, who currently hold the final playoff spot. Preston has a good record at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, including a win in their last visit in the 2022-23 season. In that match, Ryan Ledson and Alan Browne scored in the first half to secure the victory.

Woodman; Storey, Hughes, Lindsay; Holmes, Browne, McCann, Brady, Frokjaer-Jensen; Keane, Jakobsen

In his first game under Rowett, Aiwu, Dion Sanderson, and Lee Buchanan are expected to once again make up the backline on Monday. There may be a change in the midfield, with James potentially replacing Paik Seung-ho. With Jutkiewicz injured, Stansfield is likely to start up front, but Hogan could also make a return. Preston will be without Ched Evans due to a knee injury. Birmingham are in need of a positive result to avoid relegation, while Preston are looking to continue their winning streak to stay in contention for the top six. It is predicted that the match will end in a draw.