Birmingham vs Preston - Championship

Season-defining implications hang over this Championship clash at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, where Birmingham host Preston on April 22, 2026 knowing the result could shape the run-in for both clubs. The 25-year-old suffered the injury after an inadvertent clash with his own team-mate as he and Mathias Olivera both challenged for possession late in the first half.

Both Birmingham and Preston will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Championship. The hosts have struggled for consistency, DWLWD in their last five pointing to a win rate of 25%. On the road the visitors have looked devoid of inspiration, DLLDL in their last five and a win rate of 12.5% that makes for sobering reading. Where Birmingham have built their campaign on solidity, Preston have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. Skinner had another year to run on his contract but has decided to move on a month out from United beginning their Women’s Super League season at London City Lionesses on September 4.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Birmingham will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Preston will back themselves to cause problems on the break. But this approach also takes something that is almost anonymous in football - time.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Despite his youth, the defender has won a total of six titles with Benfica and the national team, and was named as the best defender in the 2022/23 Portuguese league season.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. With the sides so closely matched, a 2-2 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Championship standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.