Aston Villa and Birmingham City are currently sitting outside of the Championship’s play-off places.
Darren Bent has claimed that Aston Villa and Birmingham doing ‘really well’ make the city a ‘fantastic place’ as the duo are pushing for promotion this season.
At the start of the campaign, Villa would have been vying for a top two spot, whilst the Blues would have been looking for a mid-table finish.
However, under the stewardship of Garry Monk, his side are currently sitting in seventh place, two points outside of the play-off places.
On the other hand, Villa are two places and one point behind their rivals, with both clubs winning their Boxing Day fixtures against Swansea City and Stoke City, respectively.
Former Premier League player Bent offered his thoughts on the Midlands duo season so far as the Championship is in the midst of one of its toughest periods.
“To see Aston Villa and Birmingham City doing really well it makes the city of Birmingham a fantastic place come derby day,” Bent told EFL on Quest on 26/12/2018 at 9:40 pm.
From their 24 league games this season, Monk’s side have won nine encounters, scoring 37 goals and conceding 27 goals.
By contrast, Villa have won the same amount of matches, but have scored nine more goals and shipped in ten more goals than their near neighbours.
In November, Villa thumped Birmingham 4-2 on home soil, with right-back Alan Hutton scoring the pick of the goals following his solo run from inside his own half – they will meet at St Andrew’s for the reverse fixture in March.
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