The Second City derby takes precedence this Sunday afternoon for Birmingham City and Aston Villa when they face off at St Andrew’s.

The Blues will be looking for their first league win over their near-neighbours for the first time in 14 years.

Garry Monk’s men are two points and two places better off than their rivals as they push for an unlikely place in the play-offs.

A win could move the Blues within a point of the top-six and potentially push Villa further away.

After defeat last time out to Brentford, Birmingham will be looking to get back to winning ways after earning three points in three of their previous six outings.

Dean Smith’s side, meanwhile, are coming off the back of an impressive 4-0 win over Derby County last weekend and were buoyed by the return of mercurial Jack Grealish.

A win could move Villa within three points of the play-offs and ahead of their dear rivals.

In what is sure to be a powder keg atmosphere at St Andrew’s, David Prutton offered his thoughts on the outcome of the game for Sky Sports.

The EFL presenter predicted: “This is a Second City derby with plenty at stake!

“Both sides still have a shout at the play-offs, and three points would go a long way to achieving that for either.

“Jack Grealish was brilliant when these teams met at Villa Park earlier in the season, and you can see how important he is to the side with his performance against Derby last week.

“This is a close call, though, and I can't split the pair.

“Score draw, 2-2.”

The verdict

Derby games are nervous, tight affairs – we saw that on Monday with the Steel City derby.

This Sunday is the Second City derby and one that has implications at the top of the table.

Both sides are pushing for a play-off place and are in desperate need for the three points.

And with the two teams fighting so hard to get them – I can’t see either.

The wait for a win in the derby goes on for the blues as I am with David Prutton on this occasion, and going for a score draw.