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Police will be on patrol in Birmingham city centre tomorrow night (27 August) to guard against any trouble as both Blues and Villa play home matches on the same evening.

Efforts are usually made to ensure the Second City rivals play at different times in league matches and when they are drawn at home in cup competitions.

But no such plans have been made for tonight’s League Cup second round games.

Blues will welcome Premier League side Sunderland and Villa will host League One outfit Leyton Orient.

West Midlands Police said officers would be based at both grounds and also in the city centre as part of routine policing procedures.

Violence marred the League Cup quarter final between Blues and Villa at St Andrew’s in December 2010, despite the presence of 500 officers.

Rival fans hurled seats and flares in the first night match between the sides in eight years.