Burnley work an opening, as Connor Roberts' overlapping run helps open things up for Manuel Benson to drift in off the right and shoot.

He makes decent contact but it sails over the crossbar.

Paul Weller
Former Burnley midfielder on BBC Radio Lancashire

In the modern game, in the Premier League, that's a red card there for Troy Deeney.

He's clearly frustrated with the way this game is going and he's gone in with his studs up.

Image source, Rex Features

Poor challenge by Blues skipper Troy Deeney on Connor Roberts.

The veteran striker is in the book and he can have no complaints whatsoever.

Birmingham having to dig in a bit but they're doing just that and they're not out of this.

Blues have only lost by more than a single goal margin once in the league all season.

Burnley looking to wrap this up.

Ian Maatsen races forward from left-back and sends in a teasing cross but no takers.

We're back under way.

Burnley 45 minutes from going 11 points clear of third-placed Blackburn.

Ged Scott
BBC Sport at Turf Moor

Image source, Getty Images

Two goals - both netted by returning World Cup players.

After Moroccan maverick Anass Zarouri's stunning opener, set up by Connor Roberts, the Welshman then brilliantly got in on the act himself.

In contrast to the frustrating time he had in Qatar playing for an under-performing Wales, he has been a constant attacking menace down the right during the opening 45 minutes, which could explain why Hannibal Mejbri chose to take him out to spark the ugly scenes not long before the interval.

That was Hannibal's sixth booking of his Birmingham City career. And, if past experience this season is anything to go by, he now may not see the whole of this game out. Blues boss John Eustace has a habit of protecting this mercurial talent and subbing him off when he's been cautioned.

It has to be said, however, that Roberts' histrionics as he writhed on the floor were not so nice to see. Something he brought back from the World Cup?

Anass Zaroury's goal after 49 seconds was the fastest scored in the Championship this season but just the eighth quickest scored in the EFL in 2022-23.

It was also the first goal Birmingham have conceded in the opening 15 minutes of a game.

Image source, Getty Images

So far, so very good for the league leaders.

They opened the scoring in the first minute when Anass Zaroury finished emphatically after being teed up by Connor Roberts.

Roberts then doubled the home side's lead just before the break with a well taken finish after a quick passing move.

Barring a big turnaround, the Clarets will be going 11 points clear of third-placed Blackburn.

Birmingham win a free-kick in a dangerous are just before the break as Jack Cork is pulled up for a foul.

Juninho Bacuna goes for goal using the Cristiano Ronaldo (remember him?) technique and it flashes just past the post.

Paul Weller
Former Burnley midfielder on BBC Radio Lancashire

That's absolutely quality from Burnley's experienced full-back.

It's a lovely little one-two, Connor Roberts still has work to do, he gets his first touch spot on and then it's a beautiful left-footer into the bottom corner.

Excellent finish.

Image source, Rex Features

It's really feisty out there just now.

Assume someone has already long since done a joke about Birmingham City midfielder Hannibal Mejbri putting in a meaty challenge?

Tempers flaring here!

Josh Cullen of Burnley is booked for a poor challenge on Troy Deeney and Hannibal Mejbri and Tahith Chong are then both booked for the away side for their attempts at retribution for their skipper.

Some pushing and shoving ensues but looks to be sorted now.

Birmingham's travelling fans are imploring their team to... get stuck into* the home side as they slickly move the ball around midfield.

*Chant edited for a family audience.

Paul Weller
Former Burnley midfielder on BBC Radio Lancashire

The Birmingham players are throwing themselves around and they have to - if they're not very good with the ball they have to be good without it.

Image source, Getty Images

He maybe doesn't look massively impressed in the above photo but Burnley gaffer Vincent Kompany must be pleased with what he's seeing from his charges this evening.

In difficult conditions in teeming rain in east Lancashire his table-topping side are going about their work as well as he could have hoped.

The away side are yet to have a shot.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

I timed that Anass Zaroury opener for Burnley at 50 seconds on the match clock.

The quickest goal in the Championship this season, for the best side in the Championship - as things stand.

Aaaand as I say that Burnley almost make it 2-0.

Manuel Benson links up really well with Connor Roberts and should score in a very similar fashion to the chance Anass Zaroury did take.

Benson fires his effort over with Josh Brownhill ready to shoot just behind him, had he let the ball run instead.

Quarter of the way through the game and the only shot we've had was Anass Zaroury's goal in the first minute.

It's been keenly fought but a little while since we had a meaningful opening for either side.