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Championship Preview: Birmingham City v Middlesbrough
We look ahead to this weekend's Sky Bet Championship clash at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park
2026-09-18T18:00+01:00
Birmingham City welcome Middlesbrough to St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park on Saturday in the final game before the international break (3pm).
Blues take on Kim Hellberg's men on the back of last weekend's 2-1 win at Derby County which moved Chris Davies' side up to eighth place in the Championship.
Middlesbrough, meanwhile, sit third having enjoyed a positive start to the season and came from two goals down in midweek to claim a 2-2 draw against Millwall.
The opposition
Boro arrive in the Second City hoping to build on a hugely encouraging 2025-26 campaign, when they finished fifth in the Championship and came within 90 minutes of returning to the Premier League.
The Teessiders were beaten by Southampton over two legs in the play-off semi-finals, but were subsequently reinstated into the competition after Saints were expelled following an EFL disciplinary hearing. Boro therefore faced Hull City at Wembley for a place in the Premier League, only to suffer a narrow 1-0 defeat.
Hellberg remains at the helm as Middlesbrough look to go one better this season, with the club making significant changes to their squad during the summer.
No fewer than 12 players arrived during the transfer window, including striker Will Lankshear from Tottenham Hotspur, who impressed during a loan spell at Oxford United last season.
The Teessiders also strengthened with the arrivals of Max Arfsten from Columbus Crew and former Brighton winger Jeremy Sarmiento, while Sebastian Berhalter joined from Vancouver Whitecaps. Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek also arrived on a permanent basis after spending last season on loan at Bristol City.
There has been significant investment elsewhere too, with Middlesbrough bringing in the likes of Ashley Phillips, Rokas Pukstas and Amario Cozier-Duberry.
The early signs have been positive with Boro winning four of their opening seven games, with their only defeat coming in a 2-1 reverse at Blackburn Rovers last month.
Last weekend provided another indication of the attacking threat Middlesbrough possess, as they edged a seven-goal thriller against Norwich City. Sebastian Berhalter scored twice and Amario Cozier-Duberry was also on target before Ashley Phillips struck in stoppage time to secure a 4-3 victory.
Pre-match quotes
Blues boss Chris Davies: "We've got the same amount of points as we did this time last year, but I think we're a better team. We're more of an attacking threat, we have had a play forward run forward mentality, but the feeling has also probably been better - we look solid and a bit more of a team."
Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg: "They (Birmingham) have played very good teams at home, they are a very good side, very strong at home, good intensity, a lot of good players, good coach. But we have a lot of confidence from winning there last time."
We've met before
Birmingham City 2-1 Middlesbrough – Sky Bet Championship – 4 October 2019
Teenager Odin Bailey saved Birmingham City's blushes as his late goal earned them a deserved victory over Middlesbrough at St Andrew's.
The 19-year-old headed in from close range a minute from full-time, moments after Daniel Ayala had bundled home an equaliser for Boro.
Blues had dominated for long periods and created numerous chances with only Fran Villalba's first-half strike to show for it.
Defender Ayala looked to have rescued a point for the visitors before Bailey scored his first goal for Blues in just his third league appearance.
Those attending are urged to enjoy the game in a safe and positive manner, recognising the impact that any anti-social behaviour will have on other spectators. The Club reiterates its zero-tolerance policy on violence, drunkenness and pyrotechnics. In particular, any individual carrying or using pyrotechnics will be arrested and also subject to possible legal action. In addition to this, anybody throwing missiles will be subject to the Club's disciplinary matrix. Supporters are also reminded that there is no place for any discrimination within football and Birmingham City will continue to push for its eradication across the game.
Highlights: Birmingham City 2-2 Middlesbrough
Watch the best of the action from an entertaining draw at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park
20 Sep 2026
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Chris Davies: I felt we deserved to win
Reaction: Birmingham City 2-2 Middlesbrough
19 Sep 2026
Birmingham City welcome Middlesbrough to St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park on Saturday in the final game before the international break (3pm).
Blues take on Kim Hellberg's men on the back of last weekend's 2-1 win at Derby County which moved Chris Davies' side up to eighth place in the Championship.
Middlesbrough, meanwhile, sit third having enjoyed a positive start to the season and came from two goals down in midweek to claim a 2-2 draw against Millwall.
The opposition
Boro arrive in the Second City hoping to build on a hugely encouraging 2025-26 campaign, when they finished fifth in the Championship and came within 90 minutes of returning to the Premier League.
The Teessiders were beaten by Southampton over two legs in the play-off semi-finals, but were subsequently reinstated into the competition after Saints were expelled following an EFL disciplinary hearing. Boro therefore faced Hull City at Wembley for a place in the Premier League, only to suffer a narrow 1-0 defeat.
Hellberg remains at the helm as Middlesbrough look to go one better this season, with the club making significant changes to their squad during the summer.
No fewer than 12 players arrived during the transfer window, including striker Will Lankshear from Tottenham Hotspur, who impressed during a loan spell at Oxford United last season.
The Teessiders also strengthened with the arrivals of Max Arfsten from Columbus Crew and former Brighton winger Jeremy Sarmiento, while Sebastian Berhalter joined from Vancouver Whitecaps. Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek also arrived on a permanent basis after spending last season on loan at Bristol City.
There has been significant investment elsewhere too, with Middlesbrough bringing in the likes of Ashley Phillips, Rokas Pukstas and Amario Cozier-Duberry.
The early signs have been positive with Boro winning four of their opening seven games, with their only defeat coming in a 2-1 reverse at Blackburn Rovers last month.
Last weekend provided another indication of the attacking threat Middlesbrough possess, as they edged a seven-goal thriller against Norwich City. Sebastian Berhalter scored twice and Amario Cozier-Duberry was also on target before Ashley Phillips struck in stoppage time to secure a 4-3 victory.
Pre-match quotes
Blues boss Chris Davies: "We've got the same amount of points as we did this time last year, but I think we're a better team. We're more of an attacking threat, we have had a play forward run forward mentality, but the feeling has also probably been better - we look solid and a bit more of a team."
Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg: "They (Birmingham) have played very good teams at home, they are a very good side, very strong at home, good intensity, a lot of good players, good coach. But we have a lot of confidence from winning there last time."
We've met before
Birmingham City 2-1 Middlesbrough – Sky Bet Championship – 4 October 2019
Teenager Odin Bailey saved Birmingham City's blushes as his late goal earned them a deserved victory over Middlesbrough at St Andrew's.
The 19-year-old headed in from close range a minute from full-time, moments after Daniel Ayala had bundled home an equaliser for Boro.
Blues had dominated for long periods and created numerous chances with only Fran Villalba's first-half strike to show for it.
Defender Ayala looked to have rescued a point for the visitors before Bailey scored his first goal for Blues in just his third league appearance.
Those attending are urged to enjoy the game in a safe and positive manner, recognising the impact that any anti-social behaviour will have on other spectators. The Club reiterates its zero-tolerance policy on violence, drunkenness and pyrotechnics. In particular, any individual carrying or using pyrotechnics will be arrested and also subject to possible legal action. In addition to this, anybody throwing missiles will be subject to the Club's disciplinary matrix. Supporters are also reminded that there is no place for any discrimination within football and Birmingham City will continue to push for its eradication across the game.
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Cattell Rd.,
St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park,
Birmingham,
B9 4RL
Stay connected with exclusive Birmingham FC updates, match highlights, and behind-the-scenes content—straight to your inbox.
Cattell Rd.,
St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park,
Birmingham,
B9 4RL
Stay connected with exclusive Birmingham FC updates, match highlights, and behind-the-scenes content—straight to your inbox.
