Birmingham City host Aston Villa tomorrow in the Championship.
Birmingham manager Gary Rowett
Birmingham City are preparing to host fierce rivals Aston Villa tomorrow in the so-called second city derby, and Blues boss Gary Rowett explained to the press why he is feeling so confident ahead of the showdown, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail.
Rowett’s men currently hold a six point advantage over Villa in the Championship, but the Villans are in the midst of a mini resurgence in form following the appointment of new manager Steve Bruce.
Rowett spoke to the media ahead of tomorrow’s derby, and explained how Birmingham’s position in the league in itself should give his side confidence, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail:
Birmingham manager Gary Rowett
“We’re joint with the sixth-placed team in the play-off places, we’ve been up there most of the season. And although it’s not really a reflection Villa are not in the same position as we are so we should feel really confident. We’ll be very confident going into the game. Of course, any big game, whether it’s a derby, a play-off game or World Cup Final it’s about which players can handle the occasion and play their normal game and perhaps up their game a little bit.”
The Blues have been on an inconsistent run of late, with two wins and two defeats coming from their last four league outings.
New Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
On the flip side though, Villa have slowly begun to turn their season around, after a run of two wins and a draw from their least three games.
Villa fans will be hoping that their revival under Steve Bruce continues tomorrow, and a win for the visitors could take them to within three points of their rivals.
With the hosts in such confident mood though, it really could go either way.
Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett before the match
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