Pre Derby-Day Predictions And Quotes!

BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson has gone for a 1-1 draw between Birmingham City and Aston Villa tomorrow.

Lawro said: 'With local derbies, when you're playing for bragging rights, it's easy to lose sight of the fact that all you can really get out of the game is winning or dropping three points - because of the local factor, it always seems so much bigger than that.' Adding, 'This early in the season, when both teams are still bedding players in, it's bound to be a bit nervy.'

BBC preview: Click Here

Hopefully Murph will be along with a preview, come on Murph, the world is waiting for you!

MON's preview on official site: (Click Here) where he says 'The atmosphere at both games was pretty intense. I should imagine it will be the same again this weekend. No matter what people say, they are definitely different games. There's a different atmosphere, tempo, everything really.'

Richard Dunne, who I've backed as our first scorer at BetFair with their free £25 bet offer (sorry, bit of a jinx on Dunne to score now I've backed him!) has told the official site that form flies out the window in derby games saying he is looking forward to this one adding, 'It's really big game. I've never been involved in one or around one so it'll be interesting in the lead up to it. If you want to make your debut, in a derby is the best place to do it. You really get to show the fans what you can do. It's all about local pride and nobody wants to have to go into work unhappy after losing a derby.'

Emile Heskey says on www.expressandstar.com that he isn't afraid of the boo boys at Blues adding 'I’ve been playing professional football since the age of 17 so nothing surprises me anymore. It will be great to test myself in that atmosphere. When I play an old club I’ve just got to be mentally strong and ready for the game. I’ve never had a bad rapport with any of them. I’ve got a place round here but I haven’t bumped into any Blues fans giving me stick which is a bit strange. We’ll see.'

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