Rudy Gestede goal gives Villa victory
Villa into fourth round of League Cup
Jacques Maghoma misses best chance for Blues
121st second city derby
Brian Little
ex-Aston Villa player & manager on BBC WM 95.6
Quote MessageI'd like to see Rudy Gestede play more like Peter Withe - who played for both these sides - and pin the centre backs."
After a fairly end-to-end first 10 minutes or so, things have quietened down a bit on the pitch, but not so off it. The noise is relentless.
Birmingham pass the ball around nicely to their right and Jacques Maghoma's cross is aimed towards Clayton Donaldson, but Villa get the ball away.
I think that may be a little harsh David, but football's a funny business!
This game is being played at a pretty high tempo so far. Both teams are going in search of the opening goal.
If anyone is going to score for Aston Villa tonight, it might well be Gabby Agbonlahor. The striker has a fine record of netting in the second city derby. He does look lively, in these early stages.
Image source, Getty ImagesBrian Little
ex-Aston Villa player & manager on BBC WM 95.6
Quote MessageThe Villa front three are pulling Birmingham's back four very tight so there's a lot of room in wide areas."
Gabby Agbonlahor is the target for a dangerous, low cross from Leandro Bacuna. Tomasz Kuszczak comes out bravely to claim the ball at Agbonlahor's feet.
Martin O'Connor
former Birmingham captain on BBC WM 95.6
Quote MessageBirmingham are playing patient possession football. It can take the sting out of games like this."
Aston Villa almost score but Birmingham get the ball away after a slight goalmouth scramble. Rudy Gestede tries to get his shot away but Tomasz Kuscszak did well to scramble clear before he could.
Demarai Gray curls it over the wall but it goes straight into Brad Guzan's waiting arms.
Birmingham have won a free-kick just otuside the D, after a shove on Jacques Maghoma by Joleon Lescott.
Aston Villa 0-0 Birmingham City
Birmingham's Jacques Maghoma works his way into space in the penalty area but his shot goes narrowly wide of the far post. Brad Guzan looked beaten. That was a let off for Villa.
Brian Little
ex-Aston Villa player & manager on BBC WM 95.6
Quote MessageThe players from both sides have responded to the terrific atmosphere. They're both on the front foot so far."
Young Blues winger Demarai Gray does well to get the byline, after a long ball from Stephen Gleeson, but his left-footed cross goes over the bar.
Rudy Gestede has the first shot of the night but the Aston Villa man snatches at his effort from outside the box and it trickles wide, harmlessly.
The atmosphere is lively to say the least. The teams exchange brief spells of possession in the early stages.
Aston Villa 0-0 Birmingham City
Birmingham, playing in their traditional royal blue kit, get the game going.
Martin O'Connor
former Birmingham captain on BBC WM 95.6
Quote MessageSome of these games are memorable for the wrong reasons. Hopefully tonight's a good game."
Aston Villa v Birmingham City (19:45 BST)
We are getting ever closer to the start of this big, big game. The noise around Villa Park is quite something. Both sets of fans are giving it everything.
Aston Villa v Birmingham City (19:45 BST)
Birmingham boss Gary Rowett tells Sky Sports:
"I don't think we're favourites, when we're playing away from home and when a team has spent £55M and we've spent 55 grand, a bag of crisps and a bag of balls.
"We've put an extra man in midfield in David Davis, an extra strength.
"All I can do is pick the team, try to inspire them. I'm looking froward to it. Hopefully it should be a strong, passionate affair this evening. We can go and relax and play our football."