Image source, Empics

They say a picture paints a thousand words. 

This one sums up the intensity of this match as Birmingham midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld gets a yellow for a high boot on Jordan Ayew.

Aston Villa winger Albert Adomah was injured in a challenge with Birmingham keeper Tomasz Kuszczak when the visitors broke after Clayton Donaldson hit the bar.

Villa boss Steve Bruce believes his side should have won a free-kick for that, but Adomah can't continue and is replaced by Ross McCormack.

This game has come to life now.

Jonathan Spector, with a turn that Lionel Messi would have been proud of, gets away from two Aston Villa defenders before clipping the ball to Clayton Donaldson at the back post.

The Jamaica forward lashes the ball over the bar, but the tempo is increasing at St Andrew's.

Phil Maiden
BBC Sport at St Andrew's

There's a quick change from abusive chanting towards Gabby Agbonlahor to a moment of solidarity between both sets of fans as they hold a minute's applause for the families of the victims of the Birmingham pub bombings.

Twenty-one people died when suspected IRA bombs exploded in two city centre bars on 21 November, 1974.

Ian Brown
BBC Radio 5 live

About 90% of the ball was over the line. Birmingham were celebrating as if Mike Dean had actually said it was a goal and, all of a sudden, Villa were breaking down the other end.

Image source, PA

Oh my word. How close was that?

Birmingham City win a free-kick which Jacques Maghoma swings in to Ryan Shotton at the back post, who lifts it towards Clayton Donaldson in the middle.

The big man heads it against the crossbar and it bounces down on the line before Pierluigi Gollini grabs the ball gratefully. Replays show the whole ball didn't cross the line and it was a cracking decision by the linesman.

Robbie Savage
Ex-Wales midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

When I played in these games, I tried to wind up the opposition. It's so important that if you get wound up, you stay calm and keep your head.

With the exception of the Jordan Amavi tackle, which could have been a red, it's been a good game.

Like the Frankie Goes to Hollywood song, referee Mike Dean tells Birmingham full-back Jonathan Spector to "Relax" following a poor tackle on Jonathan Kodjia.

At the moment both sides are struggling for a little bit of control and composure on the ball. They seem almost too eager to get the ball away from their feet and forward.

In terms of action, right now it's mostly confined to in the midfield.

Image source, Getty Images

As I speak, Ryan Shotton gets his body in the way of an Aston Villa shot from Jonathan Kodjia and earns a free-kick for his troubles from the follow through.

Robbie Savage
Ex-Wales midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

You look at the Birmingham side and you wonder how many of them have got experience of big games like this, playing in atmospheres like this.

It's nearly a full house and it's been a good start.

Aston Villa win a free-kick on the left-hand side of the area, but the delivery is pretty poor and cleared easily by a Birmingham defence which includes Ryan Shotton, who has dyed his hair blue for the occasion. If he scores, he'll go down in Blues history...

Image source, Rex Features

Blues have started on the front foot and are getting some joy down the right-hand side through David Davis, up against the already booked Jordan Amavi.

Davis' crosses into the area have been cut out with relative ease, but he looks like he could get some joy today.

One man who may have a big influence today is Jonathan Kodjia.

He found it tough going initially, scoring once in his first six appearances for Aston Villa after his big-money move from Bristol City in August.

Since Steve Bruce's appointment, however...

Image source, Getty Images

Well that didn't take long for referee Mike Dean to reach for his pocket.

Aston Villa left-back Jordan Amavi is the first player into the book for a challenge on Michael Kieftenbeld which left the Birmingham midfielder prone in the technical area.

First tackle in some sort of anger in this derby has gone to full-back Rhoys Wiggins, making his full Birmingham City debut today.

No pressure, eh Rhoys?

Andy White: These early kick-offs often fail to live up to expectations. I think Brucie might just guide Villa to a narrow victory.

Ewan Fulford: 2-1 to Blues, Bruce loves this club he'll feel the pressure.

Steve: Surprised Gabby's back in the squad for today's match, although he does love a local derby.

Aston Villa get us under way at St Andrews to a chorus of noise from both fans.

Steve Bruce, wearing a suit for the pre-match pitch inspection, has changed into a tracksuit. No idea why.

Phil Maiden
BBC Sport at St Andrew's

A loud chorus of boos rang around St Andrew's when Steve Bruce made his way to the Aston Villa bench.

He may not have got a warm reception from the home fans, but he did get a friendly handshake from opposite number Gary Rowett.

Image source, Rex Features

Robbie Savage
Ex-Wales midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

This derby is one of the best atmospheres I've played in, if not THE best. I can’t wait for it to get going.