Blues derby-day fantasy XI

NICO VAESEN – GK

The Belgian goalkeeper played a key part of Blues` promotion in 2001/02 and followed it up with a clean sheet in the 3-0 romping at St. Andrew`s and another clean sheet in the 2-0 return victory – although he did break his cruciate after Blues had used all of their available subs meaning Geoff Horsfield took the gloves for a cameo appearances in the sticks.

STEPHEN CARR – RB

The Blues captain was a machine. His marauding runs down the right hand side of the pitch were backed up by solid defensive displays. Of course, there was also the hand gesture aimed towards the Villa fans!

KENNY CUNNINGHAM – CB

King Kenny was just the man you need in a derby – a calm head during a ferocious encounter. His intelligent defensive displays were the norm of his time at Blues and he contributed massively to the massacre of 2002/03.

SCOTT DANN – CB

In October 2010, Blues were held to a goalless draw at Villa Park. The game, in truth, was a drab affair but Scott Dann was the pick of the Blues bunch. His performance was outstanding. Emile Heskey was in his pockets for long periods as was substitute John Carew.

MARTIN GRAINGER – LB

The G-man was all about tough tackling and high work rate and relished a derby. During the 3-0 win in 2002/03, Grainger was the one who got the crowd going with his committed style of play. He also played a part in the opening goal.

SEB LARSSON – RM

The Swede was a thorn in Villa`s side during the quarter final win at St. Andrew`s in 2010 and scored the opening goal from the penalty spot after just 12 minutes. He chased everything and harassed Villa`s players until he was replaced after 88 minutes.

ROBBIE SAVAGE – CM

Does Savage`s inclusion need explaining? Frankly, Villa hated him. He was a wind up merchant of the top drawer and that was summed up in 2003 when he was head-butted by Dion Dublin – reducing Villa to ten men. Blues went on to win that game, of course.

STEPHEN CLEMENCE – CM

Clemence is now a coach at Villa under Steve Bruce. But back in the day he was a Blues midfielder who fared fairly well against them. His performances in the derbies were superb especially during the 2-0 win at Villa Park in 2003.

DAVID DUNN – LM

David Dunn could be remembered for his injuries or for ending up on his arse while trying a step over pass against Villa. But I will remember him fondly for his performance at Villa Park – and his goal – in the 2-1 win back in 2004. That day, he was unplayable.

STERN JOHN – CF

Again, this selection is self-explanatory. John was as inconsistent as striker`s come but his goal in stoppage time at Villa Park in 2004 – completing Blues` dramatic comeback from two goals down.

GEOFF HORSFIELD – CF

The Horse was a monster on the pitch. His work rate was phenomenal and he scored a decent amount of goals – most notably in the two games against Villa in 2002/03. Horsfield was a battle axe and Villa couldn`t handle him.