Birmingham – Charlton

Birmingham host Charlton in what promises to be a tight contest between the league’s ninth‑placed side and the seventh‑placed challengers. Birmingham sit on 10 points after two wins, four draws and a single loss, edging a positive goal difference of +1 (10‑9), while Charlton have collected 12 points from three victories, three draws and one defeat, though their goal deficit sits at –1 (6‑7). The two clubs have already met twice this season, each taking a point from the other, underscoring the fine margins that could decide the three‑point swing. A win for Birmingham would lift them into the top eight and keep the race for the playoff spots alive, whereas Charlton will look to extend their lead over the rest of the table and tighten the gap to the leaders. Both sides will need to convert the few chances they create, as the goal differences suggest a battle likely to be decided by a single breakthrough.