100,99,98...54,53,52...22,21,20...7,6,5...

The countdown to the Second City Derby has ran since the day that the fixture list was released, and the waiting is almost over.
Ahead of the big game, I thought I'd share some of my views on the game before the big day, because you never know, after Sunday, I may never want to talk to anyone. Ever.

...But that's what this game does to you. Excitement has built up over the past few days as realisation has set in for the two sets of fans. The biggest football game in the West Midlands has returned and after one year apart, Bluenoses and Villains can't wait to resume one of the fiercest rivalries around.

First things first, I think that it is time for me to make a few admissions. Villa are the better side, and there is no disputing that. They have a talented first XI and their bench is full of players who could come on and make an impact when required. They have a better set-up and a better manager. But who cares? This is a derby game. While the form book is thrown out the window, all ideas of superiority are completely washed away, leaving a blank slate.

The most obvious question floating in the air for Bluenoses is, can Blues do it? The defence has looked solid to date, and with a bit of luck, anything could happen. With Joe Hart being pushed all the way by veteran Maik Taylor, Alex McLeish finally has competition for the sole place between the sticks. Guarding the City goal is by no means an enviable task, but Hart has been helped immensely by a defence who have resisted opposition attacks with a combination of strength and pure determination. The loss of a natural left back hurt the side, but Stephen Carr has performed admirably for the club, even being given the captains armband during the first few games. The mercurial Franck Queudrue has been solid to date, and he has been extremely important alongside Roger Johnson. Watching the defence, it is clear that Queudrue is the experienced pro, as he is always giving Johnson advice and helping the youngster to cope with the demands of Premier League football.

In midfield, a mixture of experience and strength has enabled Blues to stand toe-to-toe with their opponents, but it is a lack of creativity that will always hinder McLeish's side. Teemu Tainio was injured last weekend, and it is doubtful that he will be able to take part in the derby, meaning that McLeish will need to keep faith with Lee Bowyer and Barry Ferguson, who has looked particuarly impressive since making the move down south. Hopefully, McLeish will see sense, restoring Seb Larsson to the right wing and James McFadden to the left. Anyone who saw Faddy's amazing solo goal for Scotland will recognise the fact that if Faddy plays to his best, Blues have every chance of collecting all 3 points.

Up front, the loss of Cameron Jerome will definitely hit Blues hard. Any Bluenose who disagrees, please consider this: Chucho and Jerome, or Chucho and Garry O'Connor? In all honesty, Jerome has some major flaws. He can't shoot when he is running at top speed, yes, but that is not his game. His work rate is exceptional, and in a derby game when the fans will demand 200% effort, Jerome will be missed. This means that Blues will be relying on exciting Ecuadorian Christian Benitez to provide the spark. Benitez has looked dangerous when he has come on, and a scintillating cameo appearance away at Spurs will have given the striker all the confidence he needs.

Blues have the players, that's for sure. If Villa aren't on their game, Blues will expose their weaknesses. However, Blues can't go into the game waiting for Villa to have an off-day. I know it's a cliché, but McLeish's men have to be 'up for the fight'. To do that, they will need a packed St Andrews (dream on), with Bluenoses supporting their team right to the very last whistle. If the crowd turn against their team, then Blues will stand no chance.

So, we know that Blues can do it. Do I believe we can? Well...I have to. That is what makes a football fan, a football fan. Not only is this a game of football, it is a derby game. Expect the unexpected. Hawai 5-0. Enckelman. Sorensen. Stern John in the last minute!...Memories.

This is football. This is a derby game. This is Blues-Villa. Bring it on!