Strange things appear to be afoot in the Second City right now.

Villa sit inside the top four after some superb wins, notably a 1-0 win at Old Trafford which was their first at the Theatre of Dreams since 1983.

And, across town at St Andrews, the Blues are looking almost unbeatable and have won five of their last six games.

Now it seems that a mutual appreciation society has been created from one of the most venomous rivalries around.

Yes you heard right - some Villans are actually talking up their ever-improving neighbours.

It seems that an attitude so often applied to love, has expressed itself inside the football sphere.

Many people would say that if they are in a relationship then they feel happy to see others in the same situation.

Scarf

Well, without this turning into an article you are likely to see in a glossy magazine, it now appears that Villa fans are prepared to accept the success of Blues because they are ecstatic with their own lofty league position. It's a case of 'we're happy so why shouldn't you be too?'.

In some ways it has become a little too friendly but no one can deny that what Villa, Blues and also Wolves are doing now is great for the second city.

The London based media are actually being forced to take note of the top trio.

Villa are pulling in plaudits left, right and centre and it seems that England boss Fabio Capello is a big fan of Martin O'Neill's men. In fact, it wouldn't be a surprise if he started to sport a claret and blue scarf in the coming winter months.

Yes, so far, it really has been a successful season for the Midlands men.

The burning flames of bitter hatred seem to have been quelled by recent wins on all sides but, come derby day, don't expect to see too much love in the air.

When Villa and Blues meet on Sunday April 25, expect the match report to read more like a tabloid problem page than a girly magazine love section.