Aston Villa managed to get a 1-0 win at St Andrews, in Dunne’s debut for the club, last season.
The Republic of Ireland centre-half said: “Derbies are always the same. They are high-intensity games and there always seems to be a lot of pressure in them.
“There is maybe not a lot of great football but plenty of high intensity and a lot of tackles.
“I think it’s the team who wants it most tends to come out on top. It’s not always the quality that shines through.
“We have to know that whoever goes out there for us has to match Birmingham’s effort and commitment towards the game.”
He added: “Being away in a derby is a really good place to make your debut.
“There was three of us on the day and the result went for us.
“The atmosphere in the ground was really good and, likewise, when we played back at Villa Park the atmosphere was brilliant.
“I think that’s what the lads will be looking forward to the most on Sunday.
“It’s a really big game for both clubs and I think we would both prefer to be higher up the league than we are.
“The three points are very important for both of us.”
