Aston Villa to continue undefeated streak
Aston Villa and Birmingham clash on Sunday in the Second City Derby. Aston Villa go into the fixture in third place in the Championship. A win and Derby loss, or draw, will see the Villains move into the automatic promotion places.
Meanwhile, Birmingham are at the other end of the table. The Blues are undefeated in their last three matches, however. The team's sudden improved form has led them away from the relegation zone as four points separate Birmingham from the drop currently.
Aston Villa head into the weekend fixture atop the Championship's form table. The Villains have won six of their last six matches scoring 14 goals and conceding a mere three. Only Fulham have scored more goals over their last six matches.
Leading scored Albert Adomah recently ended his barren spell in front of goal. The forward has tallied 12 goals this term. If he can get back to consistent goal scoring, Aston Villa will be difficult to stop from gaining automatic promotion. Adomah currently sits fifth in the Championship in goals scored.
Birmingham City struggled early on this term, however, the Blues have got things together recently. Birmingham have secured 13 of a possible 18 points. The team is fourth in the Championship form table. Birmingham haven't beaten Aston Villa in their last three Championship meetings, drawing twice and losing once. The team's renewed vigour under manager Steve Cotterill has led them to possible Championship survival. But will it be enough against their archrivals?
Despite the team's improvement, Birmingham are still a heavy underdog going into the Second City Derby. Birmingham have tallied the fewest goals in the league (22); and only average 0.7 goals per game. The team is a lacklustre -19 in goal differential. If the Blues are to get anything at Villa Park, it will most likely be a scoreless draw. Especially with the way Aston Villa's defence has performed lately.
Birmingham's leading scorer Sam Gallagher has tallied six goals this term. He has scored 27% of the team's goals in 2017-18. Jacques Maghoma has tallied four times, and without the duo, Birmingham would be far worse off in scoring than they currently are.
Forty-five percent of Birmingham's scoring has been done by just two players. It is a bad sign for a team that has failed repeatedly in front of goal this term.
History does not bode well for Birmingham heading into Sunday's game at Villa Park. Aston Villa have kept four straight clean sheets against Birmingham at home. In addition, Birmingham have lost five of their last six games at Villa Park. Aston Villa should continue their strong push to promotion and second place in the Championship isn't unrealistic.
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