Preview | Swansea City v Birmingham City (Carabao Cup)
Swansea City welcome Birmingham City to the Swansea.com Stadium in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Saturday afternoon (3pm).
Vitor Matos’ side take on the Blues looking to build on a positive pre-season campaign and make a strong start to the new season.
The Swans reached the fourth round of the competition last term after victories over Crawley Town, Plymouth Argyle and Nottingham Forest, before ultimately being defeated by eventual winners Manchester City.
Birmingham City, meanwhile, arrive in south Wales in positive mood themselves, having enjoyed an unbeaten pre-season under boss Chris Davies.
They defeated Huddersfield Town, Burton Albion, Crewe Alexandra, Northampton Town and Solihull Moors, before rounding off their preparations with an impressive penalty shootout win over 29-time La Liga champions Barcelona.
Birmingham finished 10th in the Championship last season, one place above the Swans and level on points. They ended the campaign just nine points adrift of Hull City in the final play-off spot and will be hoping to mount a promotion challenge this season, as well as enjoy a deep run in the Carabao Cup.
Team news
Vitor Matos has confirmed skipper Ben Cabango and Stephen Welsh are available for the season-opener.
The defensive duo return to contention after recovering from illness, while Zan Vipotnik is also available for the Swans’ first competitive fixture of the 2026-27 season.
Tiago Parente could also be in line to make his Swansea debut following his loan move from Benfica.
However, new recruit Ross Stewart will miss Saturday’s contest as he works to build up his fitness after his short break following Scotland's World Cup campaign, along with Gonçalo Franco who continues to recover from his ankle injury.
Pre-match views
Vitor Matos: “I think it's important we view the game positively because it's the first game of the season. It's the first game to compete and the first game to build momentum.
"For us, we don't separate competitions. We work for the next game, and that's what we're going to do this game.
“It's our next game, the first game of the season, so for us it's a game we want to compete in, and that's what we need. It's a competition that we want to stay involved in as much as we can. We prepare as normal, ultimately preparing to try and win the game."
Chris Davies: “To play against an actual Championship team, and a good one in Swansea, will be a good gauge - especially going into Sheffield United for our first league match.
“Pre-season has been excellent. I've been really pleased with how it's gone. We've won our games, which I think is important. I always think it's good to win. I've felt a continuity there amongst the players that have been here for the last couple of years, or even the ones that have been here for six months, you can see that they know each other more.
“Pre-season for me is about getting fit, not picking up injuries, and preparing mentally for the season ahead. Tactically, we've made a few tweaks, but we'll be very similar to how we've been for the last couple of years, but the mentality and the fitness has been good.”
Meet the officials
Ruebyn Ricardo will be the man in the middle when Swansea City face Birmingham City at the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm).
Ricardo started refereeing in 2013 after breaking his wrist at school, when his PE teacher suggested he referee some of the school football matches.
Progressing through PGMOL’s Development Group, Ricardo made his Championship debut during the 2024-25 season, when he also became the first referee of Black heritage to officiate the FA Vase final.
Last season, he oversaw 29 matches across the top four tiers, including 20 Championship games. He officiated the Swans twice last season, with both those fixtures coming against Stoke City.
He will be assisted by Jacob Lehane and Matthew Sowerby, while Jacob Miles will serve as the fourth official.
Remember the last time? - January 17, 2026
Zan Vipotnik’s 13th goal of the season wasn’t enough as Swansea City were held to a 1-1 draw by Birmingham City at the Swansea.com Stadium back in January.
Vipotnik put the Swans ahead after 20 minutes following excellent work from Goncalo Franco, but Swansea were unable to capitalise on a number of chances, with Franco, Ronald and Liam Cullen all hitting the woodwork.
Patrick Roberts equalised with 18 minutes remaining to deny the Swans a fifth consecutive home Championship victory and see the Blues pick up a rare point on the road.
Prime Numbers
10 - Swansea are winless in their last 10 meetings with the Blues (six draws, four defeats).
13 - This is the first time the clubs have met in the Carabao Cup in 13 years, with Birmingham knocking out the Swans - the then reigning holders of the trophy - in 2013 at St Andrew's.