Is Birmingham City v Blackpool on TV? Kick-off time and how to watch League One fixture

Birmingham City hope to enter the new year top of League One as they host Blackpool at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park in their final game of 2024.

Blues ran out 2-0 winners against Burton Albion on Boxing Day, whilst the Seasiders suffered a late 2-1 defeat to Birmingham's promotion rivals Wrexham. Birmingham are head of Wycombe Wanderers by a point whilst there's two points separating them and Wrexham, but both sides will be waiting for any potential slip up.

Birmingham have already beaten Blackpool this season, having won 2-1 at Bloomfield Road in an FA Cup tie earlier this month. Lyndon Dykes and Lukas Jutkiewicz were both on target, and Blues were able to hold on for the win, despite an effort from Jordan Rhodes.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of today’s match.

When is Birmingham City v Blackpool?

Birmingham City and Blackpool meet on Sunday, December 29. Kick-off at St Andrew’s is at 15:00 GMT.

Tickets

Birmingham City's ticketing website has three tickets left in the Gil Merrick Lower, but other than that all other zones are unavailable. Tickets can be bought here. For away supporters, tickets went on sale on December 17 with fans needing to have attended at least one away match. There is no pay-on-the-day options for those travelling.

How can I watch the game?

Unfortunately, if you’re in the United Kingdom, you won’t be able to watch the fixture live if you're not in attendance today. The match may not be a Saturday 3.00 pm kick off, but article 48 of UEFA’s statutes allow nations to select a two-and-a-half-hour weekend slot where live football is banned from screens.

In essence, today is like a normal Saturday, in which there are a few early kick-offs in the EFL, but most of the games are being played at 15:00 GMT. As a result the Saturday 3.00 pm blackout is in effect for this fixture, despite it being a Sunday.

It means you will have to wait until around 5.00 pm onwards to see any goals or highlights of the match, and won’t be able to follow the action live. Highlights will be shown on Sky Sports.

Birmingham City v Blackpool team news

Alfons Sampsted and Scott Wright are set to be the only absentees for Birmingham, according to the official club website. Keshi Anderson came off at half-time with a precautionary measure but should be okay to play against his former employers.

Andy Lyons, Jake Beesley, and Josh Onomah are all set to miss out. CJ Hamilton and Elkan Baggott are doubts for the visitors.

Referee

Lewis Smith is today's referee and he will be assisted by Anthony Da Costa and Richard Morris with Jacob Miles the fourth official. Smith has officiated 24 games this season, including four games in the Premier League. He's given out 85 yellow cards, three second yellows, and has also awarded eight penalties.

He was the referee for Birmingham's 3-2 win over Wycombe Wanderers back in August. Smith was also the referee for Blackpool's 1-1 draw with Lincoln City in which he sent off an Imps player. His most recent match was West Ham's 1-0 win against Southampton.