The Midlands rivals are all set for their first league meeting since 2011.
Birmingham and Aston Villa players clash
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but that is unlikely to be the case at St Andrew’s on Sunday lunchtime.
Birmingham and Aston Villa have a rivalry that spans 129 years but they last met in a league fixture in January 2011, meaning it has been nearly six years since the two sides met with three points at stake.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
There is also, of course, the added subplot of Steve Bruce in the Aston Villa dugout. The 55-year-old spent six largely successful years at St Andrew’s and is now trying to revitalise the fortunes of Blues bitter rivals. He has started promisingly, with Villa picking up seven points from Bruce’s three matches so far.
The Key Battle – Ryan Shotton vs Jonathan Kodjia
The Championship’s record signing has thrived since Bruce arrived at Villa Park, netting a goal in each of the new manager’s three matches. Shotton has impressed for Blues this season and faces one of his toughest tests yet on Sunday.
Aston Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia celebrates with team mates
Last Meeting:
The Midlands rivals most recently clashed in last season’s League Cup, with Rudy Gestede’s second half winner giving Villa the bragging rights.
Rudy Gestede scores the winning goal for Aston Villa in the most recent derby
Overall, Villa have the edge in the derby with 52 wins. Blues have won the fixture on 38 occasions, and the spoils have been shared 31 times.
Recent league form – most recent last:
Birmingham – DDWLWL
Aston Villa – DDLDWW
Who’s the ref?
Mike Dean drops into the Championship for the first time this season to control affairs in the West Midlands.
In his eight Premier League games so far Dean has shown 34 yellow cards and one red.
What time is kick off?
It’s an early start at St Andrew’s, with hostilities resuming at 12pm.
Birmingham manager Gary Rowett
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports 2 are showing the derby, and their big match build-up begins at 11.30am.
Odds
Birmingham – 19/10
Draw – 11/5
Aston Villa – 6/4
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