Aston Villa travel to St Andrews to take on Birmingham City on Sunday in the 13:00 Championship kick-off.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Aston Villa are preparing to take on arch rivals Birmingham City on Sunday in the so-called second city derby, and the Birmingham Mail uploaded a series of pictures from the players being put through their paces at the club’s training ground today.
The Villans currently sit in 16th position in the Championship table, a full six points and nine places behind the Blues, but they are in the midst of a mini resurgence following the appointment of Steve Bruce as manager earlier this month.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Sunday’s game is one of the most highly anticipated clashes between the two sides over recent years, and the chance to move within three points of their rivals will be a huge incentive for Bruce’s men.
Aston Villa’s Jordan Amavi celebrates with Steve Bruce
The Birmingham Mail released a series of photos today showing Villa’s players working hard in preparation for the big kick off on Sunday:
This weekend’s game is likely to be played in a highly-charged atmosphere, with an intensity and pace that will allow no passengers.
These are the kind of games where Villa should reap the benefits of having a man like Bruce in charge, what with his wealth of experience in managing games at this level.
A win for the visitors really could kick-start their season, and help initiate their ensuing rise up the table.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
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