Franck Queudrue insists Birmingham's players have the passion needed to come out on top in Sunday's derby with Aston Villa at St Andrew's.
And the defender admits that referee Howard Webb may brandish a red card or two if the desire to win what he calls "our biggest game of the season" boils over.
Queudrue said: "We all know exactly how the fans feel about this. They are on at us all the time about beating Villa.
"It is certainly our biggest game of the season. You can talk about Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool coming to St Andrew's but, no, this game is more important.
"The fans have passion for it, and as players you must have that passion too - and we have.
"It's about who wins the duels, the single battles, without being silly of course, but in a good way.
"That's who will get the game but the referee is going to have a tough job. He could have a problem keeping 11 on the pitch from us and them."
Villa demolished Blues 5-1 in the last derby two seasons ago and effectively ended the hopes of their rivals clinging onto their top-flight status.
But City have been solid in the opening phase of the season, conceding just three goals in four Premier League games, and only losing to high-riding Tottenham in injury time in their last outing.
Queudrue said: "I didn't play against Villa last time and that 5-1 game was terrible. We were relegated soon after that but we have a different team now.
"We need to stay solid, whoever plays. We have shown that so far this season.
"We want more goals, of course, but if we create the chances then I'm sure we will put one or two in the net.
"I don't know what sort of team Villa will pick. We know about them anyway.
"If we stay solid, keep it tight and organised, like we have in the first games, then that makes it better for us."
