Leeds v Birmingham

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you...

Yes, Leeds United turned 100 this week and their home fixture against Birmingham will see them celebrate their history.

The best tribute by Leeds would probably be going 4-0 up and then somehow losing 5-4, but they should be too strong for a Birmingham side who have been hit-and-miss so far this season.

The Blues actually did the double over Leeds in 2018/19. Since then, Garry Monk has gone to Sheffield Wednesday and Pep Clotet has Birmingham sitting in 12th.

Leeds' 2/5 price provides very little appeal, particularly with their struggles in converting chances. Instead, the best price of 15/2 for Stuart Dallas to score anytime is worth investigating.

Dallas is the ultimate Marcelo Bielsa player in that he has complete utility to play in any position required. During his time at the club, he has played on both wings, dropping into defence and operating in both full-back positions alongside a role in central midfield.

It's not clear which side of the pitch he will be playing on against Birmingham yet, but his style of play certainly suits an attack-minded team. The Northern Ireland international has averaged around two shots per game this season, good-looking stats considering his role as a right-back for the large majority of it.

Even in a defensive role, Dallas has opportunities to strike. His goal against Stoke, which can be viewed above, shows how he has the freedom to drive forward and get chances on goal.

It's a big price in a game where Leeds are expected to be on the front foot, and given the shorter prices available on other options, it's one which is worth taking.

Best bet:

Opta facts

• Leeds United have lost their last three league games against Birmingham City, losing by a one-goal margin each time.
• Birmingham have won six of their last 10 away league visits to Elland Road (W6 D1 L3) having won just six of their first 39 visits to Leeds between January 1921 and January 2003.
• Leeds United have had 14 more shots than any other Championship team this season (183) but nine teams have scored more goals than Leeds (15).
• Birmingham have lost four of their last five away league games (W1 D0 L4), with only Wigan losing more on the road this season in the Championship (5).
• 21% of Birmingham’s total shots in the Championship this season were against Middlesbrough in their 2-1 win in their last game (26 of 125).
• Leeds winger Jack Harrison has had more touches in the opposition box than any other Championship player this season (66), assisting Ezgjan Alioski’s goal away at Millwall last time out.

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