Garry Monk’s Blues are searching for their first win of the season, but our tipster predicts a narrow win for Graham Potter’s Swans on Friday night
Birmingham City and Swansea City kick off the weekend’s Championship action at St Andrews on Friday night.
The obvious sub-plot is Garry Monk facing his old club for the first time since his dismissal in December 2015, but this match also sees visiting boss Graham Potter return to the club at which he began his football career in 1992.
The hosts are 7/4 (2.75) to record their first league victory over Swansea since Kevin Phillips inspired them to a 3-2 away win in November 2008.
The Welsh outfit, meanwhile, are 6/4 (2.5) to maintain their 100% winning record, having began their campaign with narrow wins over Sheffield United and Preston.
A draw, meanwhile, can be found at 23/10 (3.3).
David Stockdale is injured for Birmingham, so academy graduate Connal Trueman will compete with new signing Lee Camp to start in goal.
Left-back Declan John is back in full training after missing Swansea's win over Preston last week and could be in line to make his debut after signing from Rangers in summer.
In the last match, Barrie McKay played on the left of a front three and was often more advanced than false nine Oliver McBurnie.
The tricky Scot has an eye for the spectacular and his positive early performances make him an enticing anytime goalscorer bet at 3/1 (4.0).
Swansea beat Preston 1-0 last time out while Birmingham have lost 1-0 to Middlesbrough in the league and 2-0 at Reading in the EFL Cup.
The value here therefore, could be with the 15/4 (4.75) on Swansea to win and under 2.5 goals.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.