Birmingham City travel to Portugal on Friday for a pre‑season friendly against Huddersfield Town, marking the first match of their 2026‑27 campaign. The Blues, who finished 10th in the Championship with 64 points (17W‑13D‑16L), will use the game to fine‑tune fitness and test new signings.

What does the friendly mean for Birmingham City?

The fixture offers manager Chris Davies a low‑pressure environment to experiment with line‑ups. After securing promotion last season and ending in mid‑table, Davies faces expectations of a top‑six push. The match provides a chance to assess players like free‑agent centre‑back Dael Fry, who could become a regular starter, and to gauge the impact of Jonathan Panzo’s departure.

Which players are likely to feature?

Davies is expected to split the squad, possibly fielding one XI in the first half and a different set after the break. Right‑back options include Bright Osayi‑Samuel or Tomoki Iwata, given Lee Buchanan’s injury. Ethan Laird remains sidelined, so his recovery timeline stays a question mark. On the Huddersfield side, new arrivals such as goalkeeper Matthew Young and midfielder Ethan Brierley will be eager to impress.

How does the recent season shape expectations?

Birmingham City ended last term scoring 57 goals and conceding 56, a slim +1 goal difference that highlighted defensive frailties. Their recent form of DWWDW shows a mixed run, but the unbeaten stretch at the end of the season gave fans hope. Being 31 points behind leaders Coventry, the Blues know they must tighten up to challenge for promotion.

What’s next after the Portugal friendly?

Following the match, Birmingham City return to England for further friendlies against Crewe Alexandra and Northampton Town before the Championship kicks off in August. The fixtures will serve as a barometer for squad depth and tactical tweaks ahead of a demanding season.

The pre‑season encounter in Portugal is more than a warm‑up; it’s a statement of intent from a club looking to build on a respectable 10th‑place finish and push higher up the table.