On Sunday, one of the fiercest rivalries in football will go head to head as Aston Villa take on Birmingham City.

The first meeting between the Midlands rivals earlier in the season did not live up to its billing.

Neither side could break the deadlock and both had to settle for a point in a goalless draw at St Andrew's.

Fans, particularly neutral ones, will be hoping for a more thrilling encounter on Sunday.

Villa are arguably in better form as they have won their last six Championship fixtures on the bounce.

The club are now one point adrift of the automatic promotion spots, and even though there is still plenty of games to go, Steve Bruce's side can almost taste the Premier League.

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has given his predictions for the clash, and he does not see a runaway victory for Villa.

Instead, he thinks that Birmingham, who have won their last two league games, will get a point out of the encounter in 1-1 draw.

The former Nottingham Forest player told Sky Sports:

"Now this game has come at a very interesting time! The first Second City derby of the season was a bit of a non-event and both teams appeared happy just to not lose, but it's a little bit different now with Aston Villa going full tilt for automatic promotion.

"Birmingham have been on a great run lately to haul themselves away from the drop zone, and there's no doubt that Steve Cotterill would be delighted with a point at Villa Park."

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