Leyton Orientvs.Birmingham

The O's have fallen to defeat during each of their first two matches, whilst Blues have collected four points to commence their schedule on a positive note.

Match preview

Securing an 11th-placed finish in League One during the 2023-24 term - finishing 11 points behind Barnsley in the lowest of the playoff positions - Leyton Orient are now on a mission to challenge for an unlikely promotion to the Championship despite the challenging nature of this year's third tier.

The O's commenced their competitive action in 2024-25 with the hosting of last campaign's losing playoff finalists Bolton Wanderers on August 10, when goals from Dion Charles and Victor Adeboyejo were enough to secure maximum points for Ian Evatt's troops on the opening weekend.

Leyton Orient fared better four days later as they faced off against League Two outfit Newport County in the first round of the EFL Cup, with a first-minute strike from Dan Agyei setting the tone in the capital as the hosts cantered to a 4-1 victory and a spot in the second stage.

Battling against another League One promotion candidate last weekend, Richie Wellens's side travelled across London to the Valley where Charlton Athletic awaited, with the Addicks stealing all three points in added-on time courtesy of a maiden goal for ex-Luton Town midfielder Luke Berry.

For a second straight League One fixture, Birmingham City went behind last Saturday at Adams Park, where a Kieran Sadlier cross was turned into the visiting net by centre-back Krystian Bielik, who was partnered by the division's most expensive player in Christoph Klarer.

Enjoying nearly 75% possession against the Chairboys, Blues had to be patient with their attacking moments and eventually reaped the rewards, with goals from third-tier Player of the Year Alfie May, Luke Harris and substitute Willum Willumsson securing maximum points on the road.

After earning four points from their first two contests back at this level in three decades, Birmingham currently occupy seventh position in the League One standings, a placement that would represent failure to everyone associated with the club in eight months time.

Following a trip to the capital on Saturday afternoon to face Leyton Orient, Chris Davies's charges will test themselves in the second round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday night, when Premier League Fulham will visit a revamped St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park.

Leyton Orient League One form:

Leyton Orient form (all competitions):

Birmingham City League One form:

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Birmingham City form (all competitions):

Team News

Forced off in the second half at Charlton last time out, Leyton Orient's Brandon Cooper is arguably a doubt to start Saturday's clash in the capital.

As a result, Dan Happe could require a new centre-back partner, with 32-year-old Omar Beckles representing the most likely candidate for the role.

Birmingham have lost a notable name this month, with Wales international Jordan James moving from St Andrew's to Ligue 1 challengers Rennes.

Goalscorer Willumsson was replaced with a concussion in the closing stages at Wycombe, although Blues boss Davies is hopeful that the Icelandic giant will be available to feature this weekend.

Ayumu Yokoyama provided an assist within two minutes of entering the field of play at Adams Park, and the diminutive winger could replace Emil Hansson on the left flank for this one.

Leyton Orient possible starting lineup:

Hemming; Clare, Beckles, Happe, James; Obiero, Brown, Kelman, Donley, O'Neill; Agyei

Birmingham City possible starting lineup:

Peacock-Farrell; Laird, Klarer, Bielik, Cochrane; Leonard, Paik, Miyoshi, Harris, Hansson; May

We say: Leyton Orient 0-2 Birmingham City

After facing Bolton and Charlton in their first two matches, Leyton Orient are up against it for a third straight weekend as they clash with promotion favourites Birmingham.

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