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Speaking to Sky Sports’ Match Centre (11:25am on March 7 as per HITC), Danny Higginbotham expects Birmingham City to target Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish in the second city derby at St Andrew’s on Sunday, but believes they can benefit.
What’s the word, then?
The 23-year-old returned to action in the 4-0 win against Derby County last weekend following a three-month injury lay-off, and he made an instant impact with a dynamic display – as captain – that culminated in a stunning volley.
According to WhoScored, the Villa talisman is the most fouled player in the division averaging 4.8 every appearance, and it would be no surprise if the hosts look to take him out of the game at the weekend.
Well, speaking on Sky Sports’ Match Centre, per HITC, ahead of the huge clash between the Championship play-off hopefuls, the 40-year-old pundit said: “There will be no doubt about that [Birmingham targeting Grealish].
“The beauty of it is when you go to try and stop a player like that because there are three players around him. He has got the two central midfielders and the centre back comes out, so all of a sudden he creates space in behind him because you are fearful of a player like Grealish.”
What will happen?
The 23-year-old has got so used to being fouled by opposition players that he now knows how to get up, get on with it and still make a difference.
The great thing for Dean Smith is that if Higginbotham is correct with his predictions, it could give players like John McGinn and Conor Hourihane more space to make a difference in the final third at St Andrew’s.
The latter showed with a brace in the success against the Rams last time out that he has plenty of quality, and he could be given the opportunity to take advantage to ensure Villa take a crucial three points in their play-off bid.