Birmingham vs Ipswich preview: Free betting tips, odds and predictions for Championship opener

BIRMINGHAM CITY and Ipswich Town will raise the curtain on the 2025/26 Championship season when they meet at St Andrew’s on Friday night.

SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.

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Birmingham vs Ipswich preview

The Championship returns this weekend, promising an exciting start as Birmingham City and Ipswich Town raise the curtain on the 2025/26 season at St Andrew’s.

This time last year, both sides had very different objectives – the Tractor Boys were battling to avoid Premier League relegation, while Birmingham were chasing automatic promotion.

Now, both share the same ambition: promotion to the top tier of English football.

Although Ipswich couldn’t preserve their Premier League status, optimism remains high around the club, with bookmakers installing them as favourites to win the Championship title outright (1/1).

Kieran McKenna’s squad looks well-equipped for an immediate bounce back, despite losing Liam Delap to Chelsea.

McKenna – who boasts a 58.3% win ratio in the EFL across 116 games – is widely regarded as one of the best managers in the division, and retains much of the squad from last season including the likes of Omari Hutchinson, Jaden Philogene and Jacob Greaves.

They’ve also enjoyed a perfect pre-season, winning all four of their friendlies and netting 12 goals in the process – including an impressive 3-0 victory over Ligue 1 side Auxerre last time out.

Optimism is equally high at Tom Brady’s Birmingham City, who are third-favourites for promotion at 2/1 – and it’s not hard to see why, given the quality of their summer recruitment.

Striker Kyogo Furuhashi has arrived in a deal worth up to £10million, Demarai Gray joined on a free transfer, highly-rated midfielder Tommy Doyle has signed on a season-long loan, and Bright Osayi-Samuel – who was playing under Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce – is another exciting addition.

Chris Davies’ side smashed the League One points record last season, going unbeaten at home and suffering just three defeats all campaign.

Birmingham vs Ipswich preview betting odds

Birmingham 16/11 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

Draw 12/5 with Midnite – CLAIM HERE

Ipswich 7/4 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Birmingham vs Ipswich preview betting tips and predictions

Away win

This looks like a prime opportunity for title favourites Ipswich Town to make a statement in front of the television cameras – and at a very tempting price.

As mentioned, the Tractor Boys look a well-oiled machine, retaining much of the core that secured promotion in 2023/24. Key players such as Leif Davis, Conor Chaplin, Nathan Broadhead and George Hirst are all still in place, alongside standout Championship performers Sammie Szmodics and Jacob Greaves.

Ipswich are also unbeaten in their last six Championship meetings with Birmingham City, registering three wins and three draws. There’s little doubt that Birmingham will be a force this season – but with several debutants expected to feature, the opening weekend might just be the perfect time to face them.

Ipswich Town to Win at 9/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

First goalscorer

No Liam Delap? Step forward George Hirst.

With Delap now at Stamford Bridge, it’s Hirst who leads the line for Ipswich – and the early signs suggest he’s more than capable of filling the void.

The 26-year-old forward, who scored three goals in the Premier League last season, has hit the ground running in pre-season, netting four times in as many games – twice as the first goalscorer.

George Hirst first goalscorer at 6/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

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