The EFL Cup promises an intriguing second-round clash on Tuesday night as Birmingham City host Port Vale at St. Andrew's Stadium (Birmingham).
The home side are coming off a morale-boosting 2-1 away victory against Blackburn Rovers in the Championship. Port Vale, however, will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Stevenage in League One.
The match will be a true test of depth for both sides. Birmingham manager Chris Davies will be looking to build momentum, while Port Vale's Darren Moore will see this as a perfect chance to get a statement win and lift his team's spirits.
Read our Birmingham vs Port Vale predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other EFL Cup predictions.
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Birmingham vs Port Vale prediction: Easy win for the Blues
Key statistics
- In their previous meeting, Birmingham finished the first half ahead.
- The Blues have won by a 2-0 scoreline in their last two meeting with Port Vale.
- Birmingham have scored over 1.5 goals in their last two encounter.
Correct score prediction: Birmingham 2-0 Port Vale
The Blues will be aiming to deliver another strong performance when they take on Port Vale, and we are predicting a 2-0 victory for the home side.
This prediction is backed by the Blues’ superior quality, their better recent head-to-head record, and the advantage of playing at St Andrew’s.
Although the Valiants will look to make their mark, Birmingham’s attacking threat and defensive solidity should prove too much to handle. With their last two meetings also ending in Birmingham’s favour, another comfortable win looks likely.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Bookmakers favour Birmingham
- Home: 4/11 (1.36) – 73.3%
- Draw: 4/1 (5.00) – 20.0%
- Away: 13/2 (7.50) – 13.3%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
Chris Davies’ team are strong favourite with odds of 1.36, giving them a 73.1% chance of winning. A draw is less likely at 5.00, which means a 20% chance, while Darren Moore’s men are seen as outsiders with odds of 7.50, giving them only a 13.3% chance of winning.
This shows that Birmingham are expected to control the game and come out on top, especially with their home advantage and stronger form. The draw is possible but not very likely, and Port Vale are considered to have only a small chance of causing an upset.
Most recent head-to-head: Birmingham take it all
Davies’ side have enjoyed complete dominance over Port Vale in recent meetings. The last two clashes between the two sides have all ended in Birmingham’s favour, underlining their superiority in this fixture.
Most recently, Birmingham claimed back-to-back 2-0 victories, one in a friendly and the other in the League Cup. These results not only highlight their ability to keep Moore’s team quiet in attack but also show their consistency in breaking them down.
With such a strong record, Birmingham will head into the upcoming match full of confidence, knowing they have the upper hand based on recent history.
UK Friendlies 26/07/25
Port Vale
Birmingham
Club Friendly List 27/07/16
Port Vale
Birmingham
After reviewing our key Birmingham vs Port Vale predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Birmingham preview: The Blues looking confident
Birmingham have a few injury worries, with midfielder Paik Seung-ho and defender Phil Neumann both ruled out for the short term. Even so, their recent performances have shown that Chris Davies has plenty of quality and depth in his squad.
With the options available, the manager will be confident that his side can cope with these absences and still have more than enough to get the job done against lower-league opposition.
Predicted lineup: Allsop (GK), Laird, Roberts, M. Roberts, Colin, Bielik, Bacuna, Dembele, Chong, Stansfield & Hogan
England League 1 03/05/25
W
Cambridge Utd
1
Birmingham
2
England League 1 30/04/25
W
Blackpool
0
Birmingham
2
England League 1 27/04/25
W
Mansfield
0
Birmingham
4
England League 1 24/04/25
W
Stevenage
0
Birmingham
1
England League 1 21/04/25
W
Burton Albion
1
Birmingham
2
Port Vale preview: Looking to find their feet
Port Vale face a tough challenge as they prepare to take on Birmingham City in their upcoming clash. Manager Moore will be without experienced forward Jayden Stockley, who is sidelined through injury.
After their recent defeat to Stevenage, Vale will be eager to respond with a stronger performance. To have any chance of competing with a Birmingham side currently in fine form, they will need to be disciplined at the back and avoid giving away easy chances. A solid defensive display will be key if they are to stay in the game and try to cause an upset.
Predicted lineup: Stone (GK), Cass, Smith, Forrester, Worrall, Ojo, Garrity, Conlon, Benning, Wilson & Butterworth
England League 1 03/05/25
W
Cambridge Utd
1
Birmingham
2
England League 1 30/04/25
W
Blackpool
0
Birmingham
2
England League 1 27/04/25
W
Mansfield
0
Birmingham
4
England League 1 24/04/25
W
Stevenage
0
Birmingham
1
England League 1 21/04/25
W
Burton Albion
1
Birmingham
2
Player to watch: Jay Stansfield
Jay Stansfield will be one of the key players to keep an eye on for Birmingham in this clash, as he has been in excellent form recently. The young striker has found the net in each of his last two league outings, underlining his growing influence in the Blues’ attack.
What makes Stansfield so dangerous is not just his finishing ability, but also his intelligent movement and knack for finding space in and around the penalty area.
He has consistently posed a threat to opposition defences, creating problems with his pace, positioning, and sharp eye for goal. With Birmingham looking to maintain their strong run of form, Stansfield’s clinical edge in front of goal could prove decisive once again.