Aston Villa face a double injury concern ahead of the visit from Birmingham in ten days time, adding additional spice to the already mouth-watering prospect on offer.

John McGinn and Neil Taylor have both been forced out of their respective international squads this week, sparking fears for their fitness ahead of the second city derby next weekend.

It's a game Villa will be desperate to win, with Birmingham's summer struggles not affecting their charge up the table. Garry Monk has got the Blues playing to their strengths, with Che Adams and Lukas Jutkiewicz in excellent form up front for them.

Home fans will already be nervous as to the possible outcome of the game, but news they may be without two key players is even more alarming. McGinn has been a creative influence since his move from Hibernian and is surely the stand out player in the Villa squad.

FLW looks at two reasons why this news gives Garry Monk fresh hope of grabbing a memorable win.

McGinn has been the key performer for Villa, a superb summer signing who has proven to be real value for money.

He's pulls the strings from deep and has covered the rather patchy form of Jack Grealish. Without him, the heart of the Villa side is ripped out.

If he misses out, it isn't just a glancing blow to Villa, it's a potentially fatal blow.

Taylor has helped to steady a shaky defence and has emerged as a key general for Smith.

There's been an element of consistency to the back four, with Taylor being a key part of that. If he comes out it means a reshuffle and that seriously damages the momentum that Smith has got going.