Prediction: Both Teams To Score and Aston Villa to Win
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A place in the Premier League is up for grabs as Aston Villa do battle with Derby County in the Championship playoff final at Wembley Stadium.
The two teams clash on what promises to be an entertaining afternoon on Bank Holiday Monday in the capital.
Aston Villa
Heading into the final itself, Dean Smith s Villa are the red-hot favourites. Having squeezed past local rivals West Bromwich Albion on penalties, the Villans now head into their second consecutive playoff final. They missed out last season as they lost to Fulham at Wembley and will hope to avoid a repeat this time around. However, their form since Smith arrived in the West Midlands has been stunning an aspect that will give them immense confidence. The team have won 11 out of their last 14 games in all competitions which includes embarking on a stunning run of ten league victories in a row. Should they continue that winning run, it would see the team make their return to the Premier League following their prior relegation at the conclusion of the 2015/16 campaign.
Team News
Villa have no new injury or suspension worries ahead of the game so could potentially name an unchanged XI. Defender Axel Tuanzebe was a slight doubt after suffering an ankle injury in the semi-final clash with West Brom but has been passed fit. Orjan Nyland remains restricted to the sidelines, whilst defender James Chester is also a doubt.
Derby County
Elsewhere, Frank Lampard s Rams have also found form just at the right time as they aim to make their first return to the English top-flight since the disastrous 2007/08 campaign. Derby have only lost two out of their last 14 games in all competitions, form which saw them confirm their place in the playoffs. Despite that, it initially looked as though they would not be at Wembley following a 1-0 defeat to Leeds United at Pride Park in the semi-finals. They then staged a brilliant comeback to win the second-leg 4-2 at Elland Road. Rams supporters will be hoping that this year really can see the team regain their place in the Premier League following recent failed attempts. In four out of the last six seasons, Derby have reached the playoffs only to be defeated by Fulham, Hull City and Queens Park Rangers the latter defeat coming in a gutting loss at Wembley Stadium.
Team News
Scott Malone is definitely ruled out for the Rams after getting sent off in the second-leg win against Leeds so veteran defender Ashley Cole is likely to come into the team. Long-term absentees Curtis Davies and Craig Forsyth have both returned to training but are highly unlikely to make the matchday squad. On-loan Leicester City midfielder Andy King has also rejoined the squad but again is not going to play a part. Meanwhile, forward Martyn Waghorn could return to action after missing out against Leeds.
Key Facts To Consider
Villa have the better all-time head-to-head record between the two teams (W71, D25, L44)
The Villans have won both games against the Rams this season; 3-0 away and 4-0 at home
Derby have only won one out of their last nine games against Villa
Villa can boast the second-highest scorer in the Championship this season after Tammy Abraham bagged 26 strikes
Both teams both lost on their last appearance in the Championship playoff final
Conclusion
Play-off finals could potentially cause plenty of problems when it comes to predictions. With both desperately keen to return to the Premier League, it could well be a brilliant game of football at Wembley. The two teams come into the match in terrific form and that really could see some excellent football played, however Villa s experience could see them edge out Derby s youthful squad.
Prediction: Both Teams To Score and Aston Villa to Win
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