Blackburn vs Birmingham tips and predictions

Close contest expected in FA Cup

This should be a close match with both sides liking their chances. The away team has the edge in terms of the odds available. Genuine shots on target will probably be sparse during an evenly contested affair.

The hosts will be eager to put some of their recent underpowered outings in the rear-view mirror. Rovers are in some frustratingly patchy form. They've lost 3 of their last 4 games at home. They've had a few lapses of concentration. Conceding an average of 2.5 goals in their latest 4 matches on their own patch has given them plenty to think about.

The Blues have been victorious in 5 of their last 11 away matches. They've scored two or more goals in 4 of their last 7 away fixtures and assuming that they don't have any major injury concerns between now and the match, they should have the play-makers to build on these numbers. If the away side puts some decent passages together they should be the side celebrating at the final whistle.

It's quite possible this is a match that will simply depend on which side is the fastest out of the blocks. Each of the two sides is capable of turning a game around and it might be a match with scoring chances at both ends. It isn't a strong view and it won't be for everyone, but the Yes BTTS bet is the nervous side bet. As far as the total goals line goes, it's Over 2.5 Goals for this one given the current odds.