MATTERS TO BE CITY TOP DOGS

they will be up for the challenge at Villa Park.”

Jack Grealish (far right) has been Villa’s talisman through their winning run operating as an advanced central midfielder and he will be one Brummie involved.

Cowans (right) – a former League and European Cup winner at Villa – added:

“Jack is a game-changer like my old team-mate Tony Morley was, but Tony was more direct and attacked with pace. Jack has been playing very well for a few games but he has so much ability that I think he can improve even more.”

Cowans coached at Villa until last year, so he should know. Meanwhile, Birmingham boss Cotterill believes his side will not be fazed by the big crowd at Villa Park.

He expects his players’ derby experience will prepare them for anything Villa throw at them.

He said: “Quite a few of them have been involved in it before so it’s not going to be new to them.

“I think everybody will be okay. It will be noisy, there will be a full house but that’s what derbies are about.” They head to Villa Park unbeaten in their last three and Cotterill said: “We’ve become a tougher nut to crack lately because we’ve become better on the ball, which means we haven’t had to defend for long periods. It has helped having a settled team.”

Villa full-back Ahmed Elmohamady is determined to help his side extend their winning streak to seven.

He said: “We need to win to continue our momentum and make it seven in a row. We’ve prepared right and are focused on getting three points.

“I know how big this is and it was great to be a part of it in the reverse fixture – I enjoyed it.”

Aston Villa v Birmingham, Today, Noon, Sky Sports Main Event