Prediction: Villa win
Best Odds: 5/4
Bookmaker: bet365
After a season which has had many ups and downs in the Championship, we’re now on the verge of its conclusion as Aston Villa and Middlesbrough prepare to battle for a place in the playoff final at Wembley. As it stands, Villa have a 1-0 advantage courtesy of their win at the Riverside in the first leg, as Tony Pulis attempts to pull off what would be an impressive comeback.
Aston Villa
Under Steve Bruce, Villa fans have been through it all. They’ve been favourites for promotion, and they’ve also suffered from complacency – leading many to wonder whether or not he’s the right man for the job. Now, however, they’re on the verge of another trip to Wembley, which is an impressive feat given just how high the expectations are at the Midlands club.
Team News
Ahmed Elmohamady is a big doubt to start in this game.
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough are a team that many, many fans have always associated with the Premier League, and Tony Pulis is well aware of that. They find themselves in an awkward position at the moment in the sense that they aren’t really as strong as some of the other teams in the playoffs, but in comparison to the rest of the league, they can usually handle themselves fairly well.
Team News
Daniel Ayala’s presence in the starting line-up will be decided on the day.
Factors to Consider
- Aston Villa have lost only once in their last ten home games.
- Tony Pulis has won two of his last four away games at Villa Park.
- Steve Bruce has lost just one of his last seven playoff encounters.
- Middlesbrough last reached the Championship playoff final in 2015 against Norwich.
- Villa have lost just once in their last six games – Boro’s loss in the first leg was their first in five games.
Conclusion
Villa are on a roll right now, and they seem to be on a collision course with Wembley and a meeting against either Derby County or Fulham. With that in mind, we’re backing them to secure their place in the final with a 2-1 win on the night to take the aggregate score up to 3-1.
Prediction: Villa win
Best Odds: 5/4
Bookmaker: bet365
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