Lee Carsley admits home form will be crucial if Birmingham are to avoid an immediate return to the Championship and has challenged his team-mates to preserve their fine form when Aston Villa visit on Sunday.

While Blues are yet to win away since their return to the Barclays Premier League, they have taken four points from their two fixtures at St Andrew`s without conceding a goal.

Carsley, who is set to play in his first Second City derby, told the club`s official website: "It`s a great chance for us to get three points because we`re playing at home and the key to survival is to win your home games and then try and get something away from home.

"Form and expectation go out of the window in terms of derbies. It`s going to be whatever team turns up on the day that has got a great chance of winning.

"It`s important we make sure we`re winning our personal battles and hopefully we`ll get a result."