Birmingham City, playing at home, favour a possession-based approach, focusing on passing and penetrating play. Their players are known for their fluid movement and active off-the-ball runs, creating attacking opportunities through close-range, coordinated plays. They average 58% possession. Midfielder Jordan James is a key organiser, showcasing excellent ball control and passing creativity, maintaining composure even under high pressure. He averages 75 passes per game with an 86% success rate, including 3.8 key passes. Striker Troy Deeney provides consistent finishing, scoring 3 goals in his last 5 matches with a 60% shot accuracy. While their attacking tempo is high, their full-backs' advanced positions leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks, leading to goals conceded from such situations in their last 3 games. Derby County builds their game around solid team defence, constructing a multi-layered defensive system. Their players possess a strong sense of defensive positioning and provide timely support to each other, conceding an average of 0.9 goals per match. Midfielder Conor Hourihane is a key figure in both attack and defence, making precise tackles and interceptions in the backfield, and contributing to attacking build-up. He averages 67 passes per game with an 84% success rate and 2.8 tackles. Defender Curtis Davies excels in aerial duels, using his physical strength and accurate judgement to win, averaging an 83% success rate, effectively neutralising aerial threats. The team is effective on the counter-attack away from home, though their attacking rhythm tends to be slow.