Birmingham City v Reading (H) 2024/25 - Pre-Match Analysis (Key Players, Stats & Line Ups)
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- Опубліковано 10 вер 2024
- Birmingham City host Reading this weekend in the opening round of games of the 2024/25 EFL League One season. St.Andrews@KnightheadPark is a complete sell out and Blues will want to get off to a good start in what will be an amazing atmosphere. How will the new players settle in and will we see the influence of new coach Chris Davies in the formation and playing style of the team? All will be revealed in what we hope will be a good start to the season.
In this podcast we discuss key players, possible formations and key strengths and possible weaknesses for each team. If you are a Blues Supporter or if you support Reading, let us know your thoughts in the comments below this video.
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The number 1 Blues podcast. Will be watching all this season lads 👍
Thank you for your comment Matthew and your kind remarks which are greatly appreciated. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Hi both, really enjoying these podcasts - you've quickly risen to the top of my go-to Blues content!. Saturday I think we're gonna surpass our own expectations, I'm going 4-0! Cheers both.
Thanks Robert, we really appreciate the kind words :)
Wow! I really hope you're right. That will certainly calm my nerves if we can get an early goal.
I just can't wait to get down to St Andrews, have a few beers and just enjoy the atmopshere starting to build. Also happy hour is now from 3pm until KO so happy days 😆
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
I can honestly say iv never been this excited for the start of a season in my life, sold out st Andrews and an all round positive feel from every bluenose i know, from what iv seen preseason fills me with confidence and I know its just preseason but the identity of our style of play was on full display throughout.. something that we have lacked for over a decade.
I don't think its going to be easy as we would like it to be as we seen against Walsall teams will make it hard for us to break away and we will be caught on the counter at times.
its going to be an interesting season and I cant wait!
Keep up the good content and KRO
Thanks for the comment and kind words mate :)
I also feel the positivity amongst the fanbase and on social media and from what we had to experience last season and the last 13 years in general, it feels amazing to want to get back down to St Andrews again. Also helps happy hour against Reading will start at 3pm 😆
Teams will certainly make it difficult for us and we will be a big scalp to take so every team we meet will be on the top of their game. We will inevitably have those frustrating and scrappy games from time to time this season but I have full faith CD will have tricks up his sleeve to keep our momentum going during those times.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Can't wait, absolutely buzzing for this season. For the 1st time in years 😂 KRO 2-0 win for blues
Thanks Martin! :)
2-0 for blues seems to be the popular bet. I can't wait to get down there, get a few beers in and really enjoy the atmosphere and watch the crowd / noise build up 😊
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Please remind people that season ticket holders who need a physical card need to collect it from the club by 3pm on Saturday
Thanks Dave!
Really good point and thank you for raising this. I know certain fans are having a little trouble getting their digital pass to download or even getting the email at all.
Please everyone contact the ticket office and do everything you can to lower the stress on game day. Me and dad don't work for the club but we acknowledge the ticket office are really grafting behind the scenes and from what I have seen they are working really hard so this is far from ideal but lets try and lower stress levels on the day and get our tickets in advance.
This is personal preference but we will be getting to ground earlier than usual too just to avoid any drama or long ques or technology glitches.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Another great podcast lads ,always interesting common sense chats with no over the top reactions .kro.
Thanks so much Adam! We really appreciate the kind words :)
Roll on Saturday now. Can't wait to get back into a packed out St Andrews.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
It's really interesting to see that with the squad announcement being made that we don't have a number 1. That says a lot about the psychology involved in that decision. I'm sure we're not the first club to do this. Nonetheless, I like the little bit of psychology involved in this decision. Anything to get a gain, big or small.
KRO 💙
Thank you for your comment Richard. I commented this on our X (formerly Twitter) that they had retired the No. 1 shirt in honour of John Ruddy! 😂😂😂 Kind regards (Gary)
John Ruddy wore the number 21 shirt 😆🤣🤣 Neil Etheridge wore the number 1 jersey 😁
That being said, your joke made me laugh nonetheless 😁
KRO 💙
Cheers lads blues 3-0 come on you blue boys KRO
Love the optimism Darren and would love for you to be right. Certainly calm my nerves 😆
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
I’m going 3-0 blues… going for a little statement of intent kind of win…
I’m also so excited for this season, I live and work in London, but I can’t wait till I can get down to St Andrews and see the improvements they’ve done this season 💙
Great vlog, love watching and listening to your thoughts! KRO
Thank you for your comment and we are pleased that you enjoy our videos.
I think we are all looking forward to getting down to a sold out St. Andrew’s and we all hope we can get off to a good start. 3-0 would be amazing, but even a 1-0 would do just to get the ball rolling. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
I can't wait for Saturday. I'm so pleased that we're at home for the curtain raiser. What an occasion it will be. Well done to all those that have and are working so hard to get everything ready for match day.
What a fan experience we have to look forward to. I'm so excited. You can't beat a full house at St Andrews. The pre match atmosphere in and around the ground is going to be amazing, and when it kicks off electric.
The team and the fans to work in unison.
Blues to win 2 - 0. Alfie May brace.
KRO 💙
Thank you for your comment Richard. A lot of fans think 2-0 including Matt. It would be great to get off to a winning start that is for sure.
Like you and I suspect all Blues fans I think the place will be bouncing on Saturday and well done to the owners for everything they have done and all of the money they have invested in the stadium and infrastructure. For the first time in many years we now have a stadium to be proud of and the strange thing is that it is only temporary until the new stadium is built! KRO and kind regards (Gary)
@SmallHeathAllianceFC So.... it looks like JJ is off. I never rated him anyway 🤣🤣 I'm disappointed that he's going and not the move any of us expected him to make, but he clearly wants to leave, so on that basis I wish him well for the future. A move to Rennes is a good move for him, as although the French league isn't as strong and as competitive as either the Premier League or Italian League, the moves to Rennes will mean he gets the minutes on the pitch that he needs to continue his progression and see him fulfil his potential. I'm just disappointed that this won't be in a Blues shirt. However, we move on, and that provides an opportunity for the likes of Leonard and Harris, so when one door closes, the nice thing is that Blues have at least two that are ready to open.
Whilst it's disappointing that JJ will be departing, it takes nothing away from the anticipation and the excitement for the Reading game.
With regards to the ground. I can't wait to see all the work that has been done. Sadly, the fan park by the main stand where I sit won't be ready for tomorrow (I understand that there have been some unexpected work that has caused the delay on completion) but we will make good use of the work that has been completed. Unbelievable, like you say that this is just our temporary home. All credit to Knighthead.
On another note have you seen the mini documentary on itv x? If you have, what did you think? And if you haven't, then it's well worth a watch.
I hope everyone has managed to get their tickets sorted out ready for tomorrow or if they haven't, then they will asap.
KRO 💙
@@richardpincher8936 Thank you for your comment Richard. JJ had probably made his mind up to move after the interest in January and although it will be sad to see him go we have already got replacements to cover that position as you point out.
I watched the documentary last night. To be honest it was more like a journal of the season rather than a documentary and there were no surprises or revelations shown.
The lady from the Redditch supporters club was very good and represented the fans well and I was interested to hear what Garry Cook had to say. Although he messed up with the Rooney appointment, I really think he has a heart for Blues and wants the best for us which was really nice to see.
Only one more day to wait now and then we can get down to the Blues and do our part! KRO and kind regards (Gary)
@SmallHeathAllianceFC yeah, your description of the 'mini documentary ' being more of a journal is very appropriate, and I totally agree with everything else that you say. When they make the next one, it's crying out for you and Matt 😁
The most important thing is that any player we have at the club wants to ve part of what's happening and so if JJ doesn't want to be part of that (whilst I think the best and right thing to do would've been to stay) then so be it. I think you're right with regards to having his head turned. I hope it all works out for him.
I can't wait for the game, and I look forward to the post-match video.
KRO 💙
@@richardpincher8936 thank you Richard that is greatly appreciated. KRO
As long as we win!! We will have a good strong starting XI… buzzing! KROTTEOTR
Thanks mate :)
I feel confident with a packed out stadium and with the high / fast press we will have too much quality. The place will be absolutely bouncing and I can't wait to get a few Neck Oils down 😆
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
I'm so looking forward to Satuday - in the meantime, one from Matrix Revolutions-
Deus Ex Machina: And if you fail?
Neo: I won't.
I'm so looking for
We can’t wait either! It’s going to be a really great atmosphere 😊
Let’s hope the team channel that inner Neo. I’ve heard Matrix quotes are actually part of CD’s team talks 🤣👌🏻
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
I think we'll get a win on Saturday, I'll go for 3 nil. My hope is that the team plays well and the crowd put in a performance too. So good to be genuinely excited for the coming season, it's going to be a good one!
Couldn't agree more! I think the fans will put in a big shift on Saturday and the place will be absolutely bouncing.
I would love a 3-0. I went a tad more conservative with 2-0 but I would love to be proven wrong 😆
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Happy hour from 3 o'clock 😊😊
Get in! Can't wait to try some Neck Oil.
No matter what we drink it can't be worse than the Fosters directly from the toilets 😂
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Its been suggested we have accepted a bid for JJ from Renes, so Leonard will probably start
Thank you for your comment. Yes, I saw that. Leonard was bought in for that specific position so if JJ does go we have an immediate replacement. As you point out I think Leonard will now start against Reading. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Great video guys!! JJ off to Rennes 😢
Thank you for your comment Lee and we are pleased you enjoyed the video. Yes, it looks like JJ will be in his way. Shame he is leaving but I’m sure all Blues fans will wish him well. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
You can have Harlee Dean back. All about Tyler Binden.
Thank you for your comment. Harlee had a love/hate relationship here with the fans but in the end he won the fans over. It was mainly because of his commitment rather than his ability. I’m sure he will get a decent welcome on Saturday from the Blues fans. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Good vlog as always Gents
I believe the opening 20 minutes will be quite tense, with both teams striving to neutralise each other. The intense atmosphere will be a novel experience for nearly all the Blues players, and I’d imagine it would be quite intimidating for the Reading players. We must focus on the match, not the event. I completely concur with your team selections and it’s reassuring to know that our squad has depth and quality, capable of making a significant impact rather than just filling spaces.
My prediction for the match is a 2-1 win and accompanied by two pints of Cruzcampo before the game and one afterwards. Keep Right On!
Thanks Mark :)
The atmosphere will be really good on Saturday. There is such a buzz on social media and amongst the fan base generally that I think it's quite literally going to be bouncing.
I think the game is going to get off like a rocket ship. I can see it being really fast and ferocious in the first 20 minutes with blues capitalising on this for a goal. It will settle down but it's going to be a fantastic afternoon and as you say with a few beers consumed 😊
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Can you guys do an end of season table prediction
Thanks Dan :)
We can certainly look into doing something like this! Thank you for the suggestion and I will discuss this with dad when we cross paths next. I like the idea and I'm sure we can sort something.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
@@BCFCRoyalBlue that’s great. Will be amazing to see your views on not only Birmingham for this season but the other clubs aswell. KRO
A Great Podcast as always Gentlemen. I feel blues will lay down the gauntlet on reading Saturday. 2-0-3-1 you said… i think we will win 4-1. 4-1 you say 😂 the depth and energy in this team and quality along side a full house will absolutely drive us forward. We have built up momentum in our last four games also which will add to confidence in the team. I really believe in Chris and his team with how they have adapted and elevated a sinking ship into something special to watch. Professional all round. A big win on the opening day will be a statement of intent and will send fear to the rest of the league. KRO
Thanks mate :)
I am more than happy to be proven wrong with a 4-1, that will certainly calm the nerves 😆
I fully trust CD and think his style of football at this level will be amazing to watch. Our problem could be when a team's only tactic is to park the bus and kick us off the park. We will certainly hit a few bully-boy teams and I will be interested to see how we face up to that.
Roll on Saturday with a packed-out St Andrews. I can't wait :)
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
@@BCFCRoyalBlueNo doubt there will be potential banana skins on route however i feel CD is different gravy compared to Eustace/Rowett football which i absolutely hated. He will have challenges but i feel he is clued up to deal with these and will show why he is highly respected and rated in the footballing circles. KRO
I’m going a 2-1 win to the Blues. Good luck on Saturday!
Thanks Luke :)
I have gone for a 2-0 but I will certainly take a 2-1 on opening weekend and get us those 3 points!
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
I keep skipping between a 4 nil win for blues or it going horribly wrong! 😂 I don't see an inbetween.
Thanks Neil :)
Ha! I know what you mean. Blues don't to do half measures do we. Tends to be one way or the other 😂
Here is hoping to a 4-0 blues.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
@@BCFCRoyalBlue I have my reservations about us defensively with this system.. A tactically astute team could undo us when pressing high and teams will sit deep to try exploit this. I do however feel we have to much quality for most teams in this league.. Let's hope pre season really is a sign of what's to come.
Cant wait for the start of he season, im going 3-1 to us. I reckon reading will score first by catching us off guard, but i think we will recover, alfie to score 2 KRO
Thanks Andrew. We can't wait either :)
I think we will keep a clean sheet personally. Dad has also gone for 3-1. They are good going forward to be fair and score in the majority of their games so a fair prediction.
Going to be a great afternoon and can't wait to get back to St Andrews 😊
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
Looks like JJ won't be with us so I will be happier to see Paik and Leonard in centre mid instead.
Thank you for your comment. The rumours do seem quite strong that JJ will be leaving. It’s a shame as I thought he did well in pre-season however we have Marc Leonard who was bought in for that central midfield role. KRO and kind regards (Gary)
❤ yes if get my season ticket too day up the blues yes I'm in the pub to select yes get new strikers to day 😊😊☺️😚..
Thanks Paul :)
I hope you managed to get your season ticket with as little hassle as possible!
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
CD will give dembele the chance if he don’t do what he is told he be dropped and he knows this like all the players 3-0 to blues KRO
Thank you for your comment. I agree with you that I think CD will start Dembele in the left against Reading. He did well against the Baggies to be fair but if he doesn’t perform he has Hansson breathing down his neck. 3-0 would be an amazing start! KRO and kind regards (Gary)
Any scoreline is possible on the first match of the season. Reading my tea leaves, 3-2 or 6-0 Blues would be my guess.
Thanks mate :)
You are right, the first game of the season is notorious for a few surprise results. That's a big swing but hope your 6-0 is correct. I will take that 😆
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
2-0 for me KRO lads
Thanks for commenting and same prediction as me 😊
Can't wait to get back down there. The place is going to be rocking.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
I think it will be tougher than we think , a early goal will settle us , 2-0 Miyoshi may , the crystal ball has had a make over
Thanks Tony!
Reading certainly aren't there to make the numbers up and I have no doubt it will be a tough game in parts but I did think the sellout and our quality will be too much on the day and same as you, I can see a 2-0 for blues :)
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
2-0 for me kro
Same prediction as me! Get in :)
Either we will get the bragging rights or look silly. Either way we're in it together now 😂
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
I reckon Alfie May score. In fact I certain that Alfie will score! lol
Oh come on! Yes I'm embarrassed but someone was going to say that sooner or later.
It may as well be me. lol
2-1 Blues is my prediction
KRO!
Haha! 😊
May and Miyoshi for me in a 2-0 win, amazing atmosphere and tasty beers. Going to be a brilliant afternoon.
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)
@@BCFCRoyalBlue
Wish I could be there. Hope everyone has an amazing evening and a win for the Blues.
I remember the old days with 30 odd thousand and the occasional 48K iirc
Totally insane crushes! lol
KRO!
4-0 blues
Love the optimism and fingers crossed you’re right cause I’d love that on opening day 😊
Very best, KRO!
(Matt)