Could double injury blow affect Aston Villa’s chance of beating rivals Birmingham?

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After the international break, Aston Villa face Birmingham City in the Second City derby.

In what will be a crunch clash between two fierce rivals, boyhood Aston Villa fan Dean Smith will get his first taste of the derby match up close.

Both sides will be eager to down their opposition but Aston Villa could be without two key players.

Neil Taylor and John McGinn have both withdrawn from international duty through injury and Smith will be sweating on their fitness ahead of the meeting at Villa Park.

Taylor has been in good form since being recalled by Smith. The Wales international was frozen out by Steve Bruce but he is the most natural left-back available for the Villans.

McGinn has been a revelation since his summer switch from Hibernian.

The Scotland international pulls the strings in central midfield and his absence will be sorely felt.

However, despite these fresh injury concerns, Smith will still be confident his team has the ability to beat Birmingham.

In Tammy Abraham and Jonathan Kodjia, he has two goal scoring strikers and attacking midfielders Yannick Bolasie, Jack Grealish and Albert Adomah will be up for the challenge.

Even if Taylor and McGinn are ruled out, Smith will fancy his chances of claiming the bragging rights in the Second City derby.