Sherwood targeting derby rivals

Sherwood took remedial action and the introduction of Jack Grealish and Jordan Ayew for Joleon Lescott and Agbonlahor proved a masterstroke.

Aston Villa are understandably the heavy favourites as they not only play at home but they are also a Premier League club, while Birmingham have played in the Championship since their relegation from the top flight in 2011.

Robbie Savage has told The BBC that Aston Villa’s substitutes were the game changers against Birmingham City.

Villa were rewarded when Gestede powered in a header after a tight edgy opening 45 minutes. The Blues have gone 203 minutes of football at their rivals’ home ground without scoring a single goal.

Sherwood became boss at Villa Park on Valentine’s Day but there has been little to warm the hearts of the fans since.

Birmingham were far the more composed and the willing Donaldson remained a menace in contrast to the anonymous Gestede. Birmingham were given ample opportunities to capitalise, but luckily they couldn’t.

Jack Grealish (Aston Villa) – There’s no doubt about who was the best player on the pitch.

Can this victory give Villa a much needed boost?

And their improved invention was rewarded after 62 minutes as Gestede grabbed his second of the season. At times, it was more thud and blunder in the first half. While we really hope he gives it to the ecstatic kid that was with him, judging by his reaction, it seems that he won’t be parting with the sweat-drenched shirt any time soon.

“It will be a different kind of game against Liverpool at the weekend”. Manager Gary Rowett admitted yesterday that the nine first-team regulars left out of the win against Gillingham in the last round – including the sought-after winger Demerai Gray – have been knocking on his door asking to be involved.

His press conference comment – “I am not sure whether a tactic of getting booed at half time would be a good one” – drew an audible giggle.

Jores Okore (knee) and Adama Traore (ankle) are also expected to be sidelined while Rudy Gestede could start at Villa Park.

He said: “We had space for people to get in between lines, they were worn down in the second period”.

“First half we were excellent and dominated and got our tactics right”.