Froggy: Derby's not for faint-hearted.

Byline: Steve Froggatt

BLUES will start the Second City derby with Villa as clear favourites - but the form book always goes out of the window on these occasions.

What a game it should be today! After Villa lost both meetings last season, they are looking to win back some pride and move up the Premiership table.

But Blues are flying high and holding their own against the Premiership's best. Their form this term and home advantage at St Andrew's give them the edge. In the end, these matches are usually won by the team that wants it the most.

I reckon that it will be a draw, but one thing is for certain - if last season's matches are anything to go by, it will not be a game for the faint-hearted!

IF only Gazza had joined Wolves a few years ago.

For me Paul Gascoigne, right, was the most talented footballer to grace these shores and a great servant to the England team. Stories of Gazza are legendary - most of them cannot go to print.

But although he looks in great shape, I don't really believe that Gazza will be an influence on the team and don't really see a short-term future there for him either. But there's no replacement for pure class and he's got an abundance of that.

WITH all the scandals surrounding football recently let's not forget those who are perfect role models. For any young player Gareth Southgate is a player who I think fulfils the role of perfect ambassador for the game.

Articulate, determined and a fantastic centre-half, Gareth represents all that is good about the game. Oh boy - could Villa still do with his services!

Even during his wranglings at Villa Park he acted with dignity, never courting controversy. Mind you, we never hear in the press all the good deeds that footballers do. After all - charity work and working in the community don't sell newspapers, do they?