U21S PREVIEW: BURNLEY V BIRMINGHAM CITY

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Two new category one sides go head to head

2025-10-30T12:30:00.000Z

U21S PREVIEW: BURNLEY V BIRMINGHAM CITY

Two new category one sides go head to head

2025-10-30T12:30:00.000Z

Two new category one sides go head to head

Burnley U21s will be looking to build on last week’s impressive victory over Norwich City when they welcome Birmingham City to Lancashire on Friday night.

After a hectic schedule of late the young Clarets have had a full week to prepare for this one, which will be under the lights at the County Ground in Leyland (PR25 2LF).

Andy Farrell’s side earned three Premier League 2 points for just the second time this season when they travelled to Norfolk last week.

It finished 4-1 to Burnley and Joe Bevan broke the deadlock with his first goal of the campaign during the first half.

Ken Aboh drew the hosts level, but Kian McMahon-Brown restored our lead with a fantastically executed chip after Charlie Veevers led a quick counterattack.

Centre-back and captain on the night Jesse Williams then found his scoring boots, netting from two set pieces to add extra gloss to the result.

Because of that Burnley now sit 20th in the 29-team PL2 table with six points from seven matches.

U21S PREVIEW: BURNLEY V BIRMINGHAM CITY - Image 1

Having also gained category one status in the summer, Birmingham City have had an almost identical start to their campaign.

The Blues have one point more than Burnley from the same number of fixtures and also head into this game on the back of a victory last Friday.

Despite being a goal down at the break, the Midlanders beat Nottingham Forest thanks to goals from two centre-backs in Zach Willis and Billy Burrell.

Birmingham’s U21s have been managed by Mark Kennedy since the summer, following the departure of Steve Spooner.

Kennedy was an experienced player with more than 500 appearances in England’s top two divisions to his name and also has coaching experience within the EFL to his name.

U21S PREVIEW: BURNLEY V BIRMINGHAM CITY - Image 2

The young Clarets did the double over Brimingham last season, starting with an 8-0 victory in Leyland. Joe Westley scored four that night, with Tommy McDermott also netting a brace.

The reverse fixture was a much closer affair, finishing 2-1 to Farrell’s team. Basilio Socoliche opened the scoring before Charlie Veevers secured the three points with a trademark free-kick late on.

Burnley season ticket holders can claim free entry by presenting their season card at the gate on Friday night.

Other adults are priced at £5, while concessions are £2.50. Free parking is available at the County Ground in Leyland (PR25 2LF) on a first-come-first-served basis.

If you can't be there in person, you will be able to watch a live stream of the match on Clarets+ HERE.

Supporters can also follow live updates on our dedicated Academy social media accounts - @ClaretsAcademy on X and @burnleyfcacademyofficial on Instagram.