Birmingham City will face not just anyone but Barcelona in their final test before the start of the new Championship season. The Catalan side still have two more matches to play afterwards.
Birmingham City
Birmingham City last faced opponents of this calibre in January 2021, when they travelled to Manchester City in the third round of the FA Cup. They were beaten 0:3. The club are recovering from a prolonged crisis and even have plans for a new modern stadium, but on the sporting side they are still only fighting for promotion to the Premier League. The Blues have beaten all four of their opponents in friendlies, but they were League One and League Two clubs, or even non-league Solihull Moors.
Barcelona
Barcelona are gradually getting up to speed for the new season. The team's stars, including newly crowned world champions, are still enjoying a well-earned rest, while the players who take the field at St Andrew's will be reserves, many of them recent academy graduates. Clearly, many of Barça's academy graduates are already ready to play in the Premier League, never mind the Championship, but the scoreline will not be a huge one. This is also reflected in the relatively high odds on their win, which reach 1.70 with some bookmakers.
Birmingham City vs Barcelona Prediction
Barça's youngsters naturally want to prove to Hansi Flick that they are ready for the first team, so the hosts should not expect any mercy. Birmingham City will not be able to salvage even a draw.
