Aston Villa vs Blackburn Rovers: Can Steve Bruce do Birmingham City a favour?

Tomorrow's trip to relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers offers Steve Bruce's men the chance to record what would be just a fifth win on their travels this term.

All the more remarkable then, considering that sorry record, that they are set to be backed by an away following which could near the 7,000-mark.

The manner in which Villa's supporters have continued to back their team up and down the country has been one of the most heartening aspects of a campaign which has fallen some way below expectations.

Tomorrow's following could push the club's total away support for the campaign past the 75,000-mark and the total attendance of their 22 away league games to date is just shy of half a million.

In addition to only four wins, those supporters have been treated to just 15 Villa goals and a first round League Cup exit at League Two Luton Town.

There is no shortage of irony, therefore, that many among those who will make the journey to Ewood Park might not be as despondent as usual if their team are beaten again.

The fortunes of the Football League fixture list means Villa have the chance to help out Blues by beating Rovers, the team which sits directly below their city rivals in the table.

And though you suspect the majority will want to see their team win, it hasn't stopped them playing on the fears of their neighbours, with one popular fan message board this week proposing a Villa starting XI which included Doug Ellis and the William McGregor statue.

Amusing as it may be, Bruce is taking the game very seriously.

"We have to be honest and genuine with everyone concerned in the league," said the boss earlier this week.

"We go there and try to win. It's now about being focused. We must finish as high as we can."

The manager will again be able to call on Jonathan Kodjia, the scorer of six of Villa's goals on the road, after the striker missed the 1-0 derby win over Blues through suspension.

For Blackburn, the stakes could not be higher. It is more than 30 years since they last played in the third tier of English football but they know a defeat tomorrow and wins for Blues and Nottingham Forest would see relegation confirmed.

"I am trying to get the balance not to make it so that the players are fearful of this game," said Rovers boss Tony Mowbray. "Trying to make the week as normal as possible trying not to make the players too tense or two nervous.

"It is just the next game for us but as long as we find the intensity on the day and Villa know that they are in a game against a team with real adrenaline and real desire then we'll give it our best shot.

"I've been here seven-eight weeks and they've done exceptionally well. We've had 13 games and only lost three of them.

"We've found winning difficult, we've won three as well and drawn seven. But they've showed a fantastic desire and fight and I know we'll get that off them on Saturday I just hope we get the breaks."