Man United v Liverpool? Newcastle v Sunderland? What is the biggest derby in English football?

The Second City derby – Aston Villa v Birmingham City

As derbies go, this is a big one, and it’s one that will be reignited again at the end of the month.

The two haven’t met too many times in recent years, given Birmingham’s relegation from the top-flight in 2011, but a League Cup tie at Villa Park last season reminded us of the rivalry that exists between these two clubs.

Despite a four-year gap, there was still enough bite between the two, given Villa’s appointment of Birmingham boss Alex McLeish in June 2011, which upset both sets of fans alike.

McLeish was in charge when Birmingham went down in 2011, a relegation they have yet to bounce back from, and the Scot was sacked as Villa boss in 2012 after a disappointing 16th place finish in the Premier League.

They will meet in the second tier for the first time in 29 years in a few weeks’ time, as former Blues boss Steve Bruce takes his Aston Villa side to St Andrew’s.