Birmingham City will kick off their 2024/25 League One season against Reading at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park this Saturday.
After a disappointing season that resulted in their relegation from the Championship, the Blues are determined to make a comeback and are considered strong favorites for an immediate return to the second tier.
Despite facing intense restrictions on signings and relying heavily on a youthful squad, Reading managed to maintain their League One status during the 2023-24 season, finishing nine points clear of the relegation zone in 17th place, even after starting the campaign with a six-point deduction.
Although the Royals have lost key players like John Swift recently, they have an exciting manager at the helm in Ruben Selles. The Spaniard has experience leading Premier League side Southampton for four months during the 2022-23 season, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the position.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
Birmingham vs Reading kick-off time
| Date: | Saturday, August 10, 2024 |
| Kick-off time: | 5:30 pm BST |
| Venue: | St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park |
The match will be played at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park on Saturday, August 10, with kick-off at 5:30 pm BST for fans in the UK.
How to watch Birmingham vs Reading online - TV channels & live streams
 | Sky Sports Main Event | Watch here |
 | Sky Sports Football | Watch here |
 | Sky Sports Ultra HDR | Watch here |
 | Sky Sports+ | Watch here |
The League One fixture will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Ultra HDR and Sky Sport+ in the UK. Viewers can get live updates on GOAL's Live Match Centre.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.
Team news & squads
Birmingham team news
The hosts will be without left-back Lee Buchanan due to a calf injury, forcing a reshuffle in their defensive lineup. Summer signing Alex Cochrane is set to take his place on the left side of the back four.
Meanwhile, Dion Sanderson and Krystian Bielik are expected to form the central defensive partnership, provided Bielik shakes off a shoulder issue. Siriki Dembele and Emil Hansson are both vying for a starting role on left-wing.
Birmingham City possible XI: Peacock-Farrell; Laird, Sanderson, Bielik, Cochrane; Paik, James, Miyoshi, Willumsson, Dembele; May
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers: | Peacock-Farrell, Allsop, Mayo |
| Defenders: | Laird, Buchanan, Klarer, Sanderson, Longelo, Williams, Fogarty |
| Midfielders: | Bielik, Paik, Miyoshi, James, Hansson, Bacuna, Dembélé, Harris, Willumsson, Hall, Leonard, Cochrane, Chang, Donovan, Anderson, Khela, Home |
| Forwards: | Roberts, May, Jutkiewicz |
Reading team news
Reading will kick-start the new season without club captain Andy Yiadom, who is still recovering from a knee injury he sustained earlier this year.
The Royals are also concerned about the fitness of defensive players Jeriel Dorsett and Kelvin Abrefa. However, manager Ruben Selles is optimistic that both will be available for this weekend's match.
Reading possible XI: Pereira; Elliott, Mbengue, Dean, Abrefa; Wing, Craig, Azeez, Knibbs; Ehibhatiomhan, Smith.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers: | Pereira, Boyce-Clarke, Button, Bouzanis |
| Defenders: | Yiadom, Mbengue, Abrefa, Bindon, Dorsett, Dean, Kanu |
| Midfielders: | Elliott, Savage, Camara, Rushesha, Azeez, Knibbs, Wing, Craig, Senga-Ngoyi, Holzman, Sackey, Garcia |
| Forwards: | Wareham, Smith, Tuma, Ehibhatiomhan |
Head-to-Head Record
| Date | Match | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 07/04/23 | Reading 1-1 Birmingham City | Championship |
| 17/12/22 | Birmingham City 3-2 Reading | Championship |
| 23/02/22 | Reading 2-1 Birmingham City | Championship |
| 06/11/21 | Birmingham City 1-2 Reading | Championship |
| 18/03/21 | Birmingham City 2-1 Reading | Championship |