Fighting it out for sixth
Just two points separate these bitter rivals with both still harbouring play-off ambitions. Expect the 128th Second City derby to be as intense as ever.
Plenty to play for
Not since 2002-03 when this was a top-flight fixture have Birmingham finished higher than Villa. The Blues have gained nothing more than a crook neck since then, looking up at their city rivals in the Premier League.
But with both now in the second tier and holding similar aspirations, Birmingham find themselves slugging it out alongside Villa for a Championship play-off spot.
In fact, going into the weekend, the Blues are two points better off and are the team with the ever so slight advantage in hunting down that elusive sixth place. Villa, too are in the shake-up and cannot be ruled out.
Stringing a run of wins together is what’s required at this stage though for either to be in with a shout. A draw suits neither and so we can presume each will be hell-bent on claiming vital points.
No love lost
Hate is a strong word and often overused. But it’s especially fitting for this derby - these two simply can’t stand one another.
The rivalry has brought its fair share of controversy and fisticuffs down the years - Dion Dublin landing a head(butt) on the hooter of Robbie Savage certainly sticks out.
It’s one of those games where the occasion and the hostile atmosphere can often take over and transcend to the players on the pitch (see above). Shirk a 50-50 here and a player will be as equally vilified by his own set of fans as an opponent.
It’s not one for the faint-hearted!
The season’s earlier meeting at Villa Park was as fast and frenetic as it gets. Six goals, including a fine Ryan Giggs impersonation from Alan Hutton, five yellows, and a penalty just about sums it up.
The last couple of meets at St Andrews can’t compete for drama with the two unable to find a way past the other. Five cards in each suggests plenty of commitment to the cause though.
The referee’s a…
Card happy chap. Tim Robinson is the man tasked with keeping order in the middle but his appointment has raised eyebrows on both sides.
Across 27 games in the Championship and Leagues One and Two, the official has served up 97 yellow card and seven reds, one of which came the way of the Blues earlier in the campaign.
Maikel Kieftenbeld received his marching orders as Birmingham clung onto a point at Brentford, a game which produced 9 yellows and resulted in Garry Monk also being dismissed for his protestations.
Betting tip
Even if there is concern over the suitability of the ref for a typically heated encounter, the two sets of players won’t be holding back. Not with so much on the line, they can’t afford to.
All weighed up, Over 5.5 cards is a worthy runner and packs a punch too at odds of 4/5 (1.83).
