Aston Villa play host to West Bromwich Albion in the first-leg of their play-off semi-final clash in two days time.
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith addressed the media today ahead of his side’s play-off semi-final clash with West Brom on Saturday, and suggested that the Baggies are favourites for the contest, as quoted by the club’s official website.
The Villans ended the season in fifth spot in the Championship table, whilst their Midlands rivals finished one place and four points ahead of them in fourth position.
The tie between Aston Villa and West Brom is so evenly poised, and it is hard to predict the outcome of the contest, considering how evenly matched the two sides are.
Smith suggested that the Baggies are clear favourites for the game, however, when speaking to reporters today, as quoted by the club’s official website:
“They’re two difficult games. I know there’s a lot of people out there saying we’re favourites, but Albion have been above us all season. They’re the ones who came down from the Premier League and have those players in their squad. We haven’t beaten them this year, either. For me, they’re the favourites and it’s about us trying to spoil their party.”
Aston Villa took 31 points from their last 12 Championship games, whilst West Brom took just 20 points from the same period, so Smith’s side are clearly the in-form team heading into the contest.
Anything can happen in the play-offs, however, and at the very least, there should be a great spectacle on display at Villa Park and the Hawthorns over the next few days.
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