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Saints Look to End Turbulent 2025 on a High Note Against Birmingham City

Birmingham, England – Southampton Football Club travels to St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park on Monday, December 29th, to face Birmingham City in a Sky Bet Championship clash, marking the final matchday of 2025. Kick-off is set for 8:15 PM GMT.

The Saints, looking to bounce back from a Boxing Day defeat to Oxford, are eager to end the year on a positive note. Manager Tonda Eckert has urged his side to make up ground on their rivals, with a victory potentially pushing them back into the top ten and closing the gap on the play-off spots.

“We need to recover quickly from [Oxford] and we need to make up ground,” Eckert stated, emphasizing the importance of starting the second half of the season strongly.

Birmingham City, managed by Chris Davies, will be without captain Christoph Klarer due to a red card suspension received during their draw with Derby. A major concern also surrounds the fitness of Demarai Gray, who sustained an injury on Boxing Day. Davies, however, remains optimistic. “We know we need to be better in the second half of the season, so I’m optimistic about that,” he said.

Key players to watch include Birmingham’s Jay Stansfield, whose recent goal drought coincides with the team’s winless streak, and Southampton’s Leo Scienza, who will be aiming to act as a creative spark in the attack.

2,006 Saints fans will be in attendance at the match. Those unable to travel can watch the game live on Sky Sports Football or via Saints Play for select international fans.

Team News:

  • Birmingham City: Doubtful on Demarai Gray (injury). Christoph Klarer suspended.
  • Southampton: No reported injuries from Boxing Day. Elias Jelert may feature after returning from injury.

Match Officials:

  • Referee: Matthew Donohue

Form Guide:

  • Birmingham City: D L D L L
  • Southampton: L D L W W

Southampton has won 23 of the 51 games with Birmingham, the reverse fixture December was won 3-1 to the Saints.

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