Gareth Barry: Aston Villa have the edge over Birmingham City

Apr 17 2008 By Bill Howell

GARETH Barry says Blues are running scared of Villa's attacking threat.

And the in-demand England midfielder says Villa have a big psychological edge going into Sunday's derby.

Villa have walloped 10 goals in two games to make it 62 for the season.

"The impetus is with us and they will be fearing what we have got. We've got great attacking players and I'm sure they'll be worried about that," said Barry, who is buoyed by wins over Bolton and Derby.

"We are at home, it is up to us to try and break them down and get the goals. On the back of two great wins we go into the game confident.

"And, as the manager keeps saying to us, we can't let the season fizzle out.

"There is so much to play for and those two results have set it up nicely.

"We'll take one game at a time but if we can beat Birmingham and go up to Everton and get a result it will be all to play for."

The skipper knows Villa have won the last three meetings as they head for a fourth straight league success for the first time since winning four between October 1978 and December 1980.

"We've won the last three and I think that's significant," he said.

"Look at what they did to us - winning two matches and taking that into the next year. It's always nice when you have that over a team."

Barry admits he will be taking extra pride in leading out the team on Sunday in front of another packed house.

He added: "It's extra special to lead the lads out in a game that means a bit more to the fans.

"It is all about getting the job done on the day and it will be a better feeling leading the players in after a win."

Barry is expecting a nervy afternoon for both teams.

Villa defeated Blues 3-1 in April 2006 with second-half goals from Gary Cahill and Milan Baros after Chris Sutton had cancelled out Baros' early opener.

Barry added: "We find ourselves in a similar situation as we did two years ago with them in a bit of trouble and coming to Villa Park. There's a lot on it for both teams."