Blues and Villa head into derby clash without key players

Posted Friday, March 08, 2019 by PA

Birmingham will be without Maxime Colin and Gary Gardner against city rivals Aston Villa for the Championship clash at St Andrew’s on Sunday.

Colin had to come off with a tight hamstring during the defeat at Hull. The French defender may also miss the home game with Millwall on Wednesday.

Wes Harding is expected to replace Colin at right-back as Blues look for their first league win against Villa since March 2005.

On-loan Villa midfielder Gardner is ineligible to play against his parent club under the terms of his season-long transfer.

Villa will make the short trip without defender Tommy Elphick.

The 31-year-old ruptured a tendon in his foot during the impressive 4-0 home win over Derby and he is set for a spell on the sidelines.

In Elphick’s absence, Neil Taylor is expected to be recalled at left-back, with Kortney Hause potentially moving across to play alongside Tyrone Mings in central defence.

John McGinn is available again after suspension and Villa boss Dean Smith must decide whether he goes straight back into the team. Should McGinn be restored to the starting line up, Glenn Whelan is the man most likely to make way.