Both Blues and Villa were drawn at home for this seasons FA Cup third round ties, Blues against Rovers and Villa against Manchester Utd and last week after consultation with the FA and Police Authorities it was agreed that Blues' game take place on Saturday, 3rd January with the tie at Villa Park arranged for a 12.30pm kick off on Sunday, 4th January. "We approached Birmingham to ask if they would move their game to the Sunday to enable both clubs to have a three-day break before their next fixture," said Villa club secretary, Steve Stride. "Unfortunately Birmingham felt unable to comply with our request."
Villa have a Premiership game against Portsmouth on Tuesday, 6th January - just two days after the cup tie - and asked Blues if they would consider changing the date of their FA Cup tie with Rovers - an offer flatly refused by the club.
Blues visit White Hart Lane for a Premiership match with Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, 7th January.