[long_read]

Birmingham City will be looking for revenge against Aston Villa this Sunday, with the Blues welcoming their fierce rivals to St Andrew’s.

The reverse fixture saw Villa run out 4-2 winners, with Alan Hutton stealing the show with a mesmerising solo goal.

Yet, Birmingham have improved since then and are challenging Villa for a place in the top-six.

Garry Monk is doing a fine job but will be itching for his first success in the Second City derby.

His side have been solid for the majority of the season, but Monk will have been frustrated by last weekend’s defeat to Hull City.

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However, this is the perfect game for them to bounce back in, with Monk surely tempted to shake things up for Villa’s visit.

Here, we look at the XI we expect Monk to go with…

[snack_break title="GK: Lee Camp"]

Camp is Monk’s No.1 and the man who will be trusted in goal.

[snack_break title="RB: Wes Harding"]

With Maxime Colin out, Harding will feature on the right of Birmingham’s defence.

[snack_break title="CB: Michael Morrison"]

Morrison will captain Birmingham from the heart of defence.

[snack_break title="CB: Harlee Dean"]

Dean is a solid option to have alongside Morrison, with the centre-back a favourite of Monk.

[snack_break title="LB: Kristian Pedersen"]

Pedersen scored in the reverse fixture, with the left-back getting forward well at Villa Park.

He will have to be better defensively, though.

[snack_break title="RM: Jota"]

Jota is a classy player at this level and should be returning to the starting XI.

[snack_break title="CM: Maikel Kieftenbeld"]

Kieftenbeld was on the bench last weekend, but this feels like the right game for him to return for.

The midfield battle will be important and Monk will want him in there.

[snack_break title="CM: David Davis"]

Davis lasted just 56 minutes last weekend, but he’s an option that Monk might turn to for the derby.

He’s got a good attitude and won’t give Villa’s engine room an easy ride.

[snack_break title="LM: Jacques Maghoma"]

Monk should be looking to bring Maghoma back in on the left.

He complements Jota well and is Monk’s trusted option.

[snack_break title="ST: Lukas Jutkiewicz"]

Jutkiewicz is an outstanding half of Birmingham’s strike force and an easy selection.

[snack_break title="ST: Che Adams"]

Like Jutkiewicz, Adams picks himself, with his goalscoring record superb.

[/long_read]