Aston Villa are the Championship's form side going into Sunday's Second City derby against bitter rivals Birmingham City but will have to be wary of Steve Cotterill's Blues, who are enjoying something of a resurgence themselves. 

Steve Bruce, a former Birmingham manager of course, has guided Villa through their injury crisis and Birmingham Mail journalist Gregg Evans has revealed on Twitter that Bruce has no new injury concerns, while also providing a positive update on two attacking players in the Villa ranks.

Deadline day signing Lewis Grabban arrived to much fanfare - none moreso than on Villa's own Twitter page - but was not included in the matchday squad as the Villans made it six straight Championship victories with a 3-2 home win over basement boys Burton Albion last Saturday.

Snodgrass has been instrumental in Villa's recent resurgence so the fact that his early withdrawal last weekend looks to have caused no lasting effects is a real positive for Bruce.

The Verdict

Things are going well for Villa right now and this is more good news. Having someone like Grabban on the bench - knowing he could make himself a hero with a derby goal on debut - would be a real boost.

Snodgrass being fit is also huge, although I think Birmingham might frustrate Villa on Sunday - if I had to make an early prediction, I'd go for the draw.

Villa fans - how big a boost is this injury news? Let us know in the comments below...