Aston Villa players challenged to write their name in Second City Derby history
Colin Calderwood has challenged Villa’s players to write their own piece of Second City derby history tomorrow.
Villa host rivals Blues aiming to extend their Championship winning streak to seven games and keep pace in the promotion race.
The visitors, meanwhile, are looking for a third straight victory to help their fight against relegation.
A raucous atmosphere is guaranteed from a sold-out crowd at Villa Park.
Assistant boss Calderwood said: “You want to try and live off the emotion, in a controlled way. It is games and atmospheres like this you really enjoy and remember you have played in.
“People will recall if you have scored a special goal or have a special moment in a winning team. That is the aim for us.”
Calderwood has experience of working for both clubs having been assistant to Chris Hughton at St Andrew’s during the 2011-12 season.
Asked if Villa, who are unbeaten against Blues in 11 league meetings, had always been seen as the “bigger” club, he replied: “We have to be the bigger club on Sunday by winning the game.
“I don’t put clubs at any level. It’s not right to pigeon-hole.
“These games are important every season, and the players know that.
“We have to temper them on occasions and show the form that we have done in recent weeks.
“We know our jobs and we’ll try to do it to the same level that can win us the game.
“It becomes more and more exciting as the day gets closer.”
