Wrexham vs Birmingham City Prediction, Lineups and Odds: 12/1 double for tonight's clash

There's not long to go now until tonight's huge League One showdown between Wrexham (3rd) and Birmingham City (1st) who lock horns at the STōK Cae Ras, live on Sky Sports Main Event at 8pm.

Birmingham currently occupies the top spot in the division with 56 points, five points and two places above Wrexham, who have played two games more.

With both teams vying to strengthen their positions in the promotion race, this high-stakes clash is not to be missed!

Wrexham were on the wrong end of a surprise result when losing 2-1 at struggling Shrewsbury last Thursday but they can rise to a much bigger challenge by defeating Birmingham in a battle between two of the division’s most ambitious clubs.

A bold approach to the transfer market has assisted Wrexham’s rise from the National League to League One.

However, the well-funded Welsh club find themselves in the underdog role against Birmingham, who are the biggest spending League One club of all time.

Wrexham are in the mix for a third successive promotion and have done their best work at the SToK Cae Ras, where they have taken 38 points from 14 games.

Phil Parkinson’s side make no apologies for playing a direct style of football and their approach could unsettle Birmingham, who are used to keeping their opponents at arms length.

Birmingham are averaging 67.3 per cent possession per League One and should have the lion's share of the ball in north Wales.

However, they are set to be missing some key injured players for arguably their toughest game of the season and that should encourage Wrexham, who look overpriced to pull off a momentous victory.

Veteran James McLean is among Wrexham’s most influential players but he also has a short fuse and looks a solid selection for a yellow card as part of a two-leg bet builder which works out at 9/1.

McLean has racked up nine League one cautions, including five from his last eight appearances.

For leg two of the bet builder take a chance on attacking midfielder Elliott Lee getting on the scoresheet.

The 30-year-old has reached a double figure goal tally in each of the last two seasons and has netted six times in the 2024-25 campaign.

He has a knack of finding space in the tightest of situations and could be the man to breach a well-drilled Birmingham defence.

Wrexham vs Birmingham City Team News

Wrexham vs Birmingham City Lineups

Wrexham striker Jack Marriott returned from injury as a substitute in last Thursday’s 2-1 loss at Shrewsbury and is pushing for a place in the starting lineup. Ryan Barnett and Elliot Lee shook off minor injuries to start against the Shrews, but Lewis Brunt missed out and will need to be assessed before his return to action.

Birmingham midfielder Paik Sung-Ho remains a major doubt for the trip to north Wales, while Willum Willumsson, Tomoki Iwata and Keshi Anderson, Emil Hansson (muscle strain) and Lee Buchanan (knee) are all out.

The full starting lineups are displayed in the graphic below.

Where To Watch Wrexham vs Birmingham

The match will be covered live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football at 8pm on Thursday 23rd January.