By Richard Wakefield
More Than a Match
The Second City derby will arrive at St. Andrews for the first time in six years, which was also the last time Villa and the Blues squared off in a league fixture. Time hasn’t been kind to either team since the 1-1 draw, with both teams being relegated to the Championship.
Last year’s League Cup clash left with Villa picking up the victory courtesy of a Rudy Gestede header, but significant changes to both teams squads and Villa’s management team (several times), mean that game will have little bearing on what happens at St Andrews.
Putting the heated rivalry aside, Steve Bruce returns to his former club who have only lost once at home all season and are sitting level on points with the last play-off spot. Villa and Birmingham’s squads haven’t been as evenly matched for a long time, which makes picking up three points at St. Andrews Steve Bruce’s toughest task yet.
Here’s three ways of making sure it happens…
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1. Cool Heads Prevail
Half of the fun of a local derby is the passion, hunger and pride the players show on the pitch. For once, the players seem to feel and act like any of the fans would standing in the Holte End. Unfortunately, the man in the middle tends to be quick to hand out cards to temper any feisty occasion.
The choice of Mike Dean for this Sunday has raised a few eyebrows – Dean has refereed nine matches this season and has dished out 38 yellow cards and one red. If anything could ruin the game for either team, it’s Mr Dean.
Local Brummie lads, such as Gabby Agbonlahor and Jack Grealish won’t be appearing due to suspensions or fitness programs, but that doesn’t mean any of the imported players won’t recognise the magnitude of this game. It is essential and should be first priority to not get goaded into silly challenges or rash decisions which could lead to a sending off.
Is the stage set for a red card for Alan Hutton?!
As much as all Villa fans love to go back and watch Dion Dublin give Robbie Savage a piece of his mind, the sending off and result of that match in 2003 will be what Blues fans remember. Players like Jordan Ayew and Leandro Bacuna have regularly shown their poor temper towards officials and other players in games versus West Ham and Leicester respectively.
Bruce telling all the players in the dressing room before the game to keep a cool head will be pivotal in ensuring Villa finish the match with 11 men. Obviously Villa cannot substitute all of their aggressiveness and passion for safety, but better decision making needs to be drilled into the players’ minds.
UTV
Follow Richard Wakefield on Twitter at @_RichardAVFC
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