Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce admits Portsmouth are favourites to beat the drop after yesterday's 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa.
A double from Milan Baros and a breathtaking strike from Gary Cahill earned Aston Villa victory over troubled rivals Birmingham.
Villa led when Baros was left unmarked to lash in Aaron Hughes' cross from close range but Birmingham drew level through Chris Sutton's low drive.
The hosts went back in front on 56 minutes when Cahill leapt and sent a spectacular volley over Maik Taylor.
And Baros wrapped up victory with a crisp finish from a difficult angle.
The result puts Villa 10 points clear of the drop zone but leaves Birmingham, who dropped into the bottom three on Saturday after Portsmouth's win, three points from safety with four games remaining.
The Blues suffered another blow before the kick-off when Matthew Upson ruptured his Achilles tendon in the warm-up.
Birmingham boss Steve Bruce said afterwards: "We're still in there with a chance but we needed to beat Villa to keep the pressure on Portsmouth.
"The big turning points went against us and we didn't get what we deserved.
"We live to fight another day and we'll give it everything we can. Portsmouth are in the driving seat but all we have to do is win more games than them."
Villa manager David O'Leary also said: "I have never looked at the relegation zone. I have kept my eyes on the teams we have a chance of catching above us.
"If we defended set plays with our two young centre backs in the second half I thought we would go on from there.
"I'm delighted for the players and the supporters. We were worthy winners."
A double from Milan Baros and a breathtaking strike from Gary Cahill earned Aston Villa victory over troubled rivals Birmingham.
Villa led when Baros was left unmarked to lash in Aaron Hughes' cross from close range but Birmingham drew level through Chris Sutton's low drive.
The hosts went back in front on 56 minutes when Cahill leapt and sent a spectacular volley over Maik Taylor.
And Baros wrapped up victory with a crisp finish from a difficult angle.
The result puts Villa 10 points clear of the drop zone but leaves Birmingham, who dropped into the bottom three on Saturday after Portsmouth's win, three points from safety with four games remaining.
The Blues suffered another blow before the kick-off when Matthew Upson ruptured his Achilles tendon in the warm-up.
Birmingham boss Steve Bruce said afterwards: "We're still in there with a chance but we needed to beat Villa to keep the pressure on Portsmouth.
"The big turning points went against us and we didn't get what we deserved.
"We live to fight another day and we'll give it everything we can. Portsmouth are in the driving seat but all we have to do is win more games than them."
Villa manager David O'Leary also said: "I have never looked at the relegation zone. I have kept my eyes on the teams we have a chance of catching above us.
"If we defended set plays with our two young centre backs in the second half I thought we would go on from there.
"I'm delighted for the players and the supporters. We were worthy winners."
