Aston Villa will play the first leg of their playoff semi-final in front of their own supporters.
Sky Sports pundit Danny Higginbotham has suggested that West Brom could be trying to avoid Midland rivals Aston Villa in the playoffs.
The former defender has claimed that Albion might not rest players for their clash against Derby on Sunday because they will still have aspirations of overtaking third-placed Leeds United.
Jimmy Shan’s side have secured their top-six status and with the playoffs looming, they could opt to rest some players for the final game of the season.
Speaking to Match Centre on Sky Sports News (02/05/2019 at 10:50 am), Higginbotham spoke about Albion’s potential mindset heading into the playoffs.
“You look at West Brom and you think they are in the playoffs,” Higginbotham told Match Centre. “Can they rest a few players? But there’s an argument to say that, at the moment, if you’re in the playoffs you’d probably want to avoid Aston Villa.
“Therefore, West Brom might be looking, if we can get three points [against Derby], and I know it’s a big ask, Ipswich were to beat Leeds then because of the goal difference that would then take them above Leeds. Then they would be playing the sixth-placed team.”
For large parts of the season, the Baggies have sat in the top-six and they will be looking to make that count against an in-form Villa side in the playoffs.
But before they meet, they must finish off the regular season, with Villa hosting champions-elect Norwich City in what will no doubt be a difficult encounter.
Whilst resting players could be on the minds of managers, winning and keeping their consistency will also be top of their list.
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