Birmingham vs Port Vale Prediction & Betting Tips (26 August)

Birmingham City welcome Port Vale to St. Andrew’s on August 26th for a second-round EFL Cup clash that promises more than just knockout drama. The Blues, fresh off a return to the Championship, have been riding a wave of momentum under Chris Davies, whose summer overhaul injected pace and precision into the squad. With Kyogo Furuhashi and Demarai Gray adding bite to the attack, and Tommy Doyle orchestrating from midfield, Birmingham have looked sharp in recent outings—most notably their 2-1 wins over Sheffield United and Blackburn. Despite a few injury setbacks, including Marvin Ducksch and Scott Wright, Davies has rotated smartly, keeping his side fresh and focused.

Port Vale, meanwhile, arrive with quiet confidence after a gritty run of form in League One. Andy Crosby’s men have shown resilience, grinding out draws against Cardiff and Burton, and edging past Blackpool in the first round of the Cup. Their defensive discipline has been notable, conceding just twice in their last five matches. New signings Joe Gauci and Mo Faal have added depth, while the midfield continues to be anchored by the industrious Tom Conlon. Though goals have been scarce, Vale’s ability to frustrate opponents and strike on the counter makes them a tricky customer.

The last meeting between these sides—a 2-0 friendly win for Birmingham—offered a glimpse of the gulf in attacking quality, but Port Vale’s compact shape and set-piece threat could narrow that gap. Birmingham’s home form remains formidable, with St. Andrew’s becoming a fortress once again. Their ability to score early and control tempo has been a hallmark this season, and with Davies likely to field a strong XI, the hosts will aim to dominate possession and press high. Expect Jay Stansfield to be a key figure, linking play and probing for gaps in Vale’s back line.

Prediction-wise, a 2-1 scoreline feels just right. Birmingham’s firepower should be enough to edge past a stubborn Vale side, though the visitors may well nick a goal through a late surge or a dead-ball situation. The Blues’ superior squad depth and tactical flexibility give them the edge, but Port Vale’s tenacity ensures this won’t be a walkover. With both teams eager to progress and build momentum, this tie could be one of the more compelling fixtures of the round.