Matt Murray backs Aston Villa to win promotion via the play-offs

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Aston Villa’s promotion charge took another forward step following their dramatic win at Rotherham on Wednesday night.

Former Wolves goalkeeper Matt Murray has backed Aston Villa to earn promotion via the playoffs because they have been showing ‘different mentalities’ in recent weeks.

The Sky Sports pundit also lauded five Villa players, including ‘matchwinner’ Jack Grealish, who recently helped his side beat Rotherham 2-1 on Wednesday night and the ‘brilliant’ Wolves loanee Kortney Hause.

Dean Smith’s side are on a roll and a promotion charge that isn’t being stopped, at this moment in time. They have won seven games on the bounce and host sixth-placed Bristol City at the weekend.

Speaking on the Debate on Sky Sports Football (10/04/2019 at 10:40 pm), Murray spoke highly about the Villa team and the strengths they have to earn promotion.

“I think Kortney Hause has been brilliant and Jed Steer coming in. I just feel they are going to do it,” Murray told the Debate. “I think Villa will win it [the playoffs]. I think they got so close last year.I just think they have got Grealish back at the right time.

“They are showing all different mentalities. Like how they did against Birmingham City, they battled in the first half then Dean Smith changed it a bit.

“They’ve got a matchwinner in Grealish. They’ve got strength in depth. I think those defensive players if Chester’s going to come back in, Alan Hutton as well, that experience. I love McGinn in midfield and Hourihane. But Grealish for me is absolutely fantastic. And Tuanzebe coming back! He’s so good at the back.”

Last May, Villa were beaten by Fulham in the playoff final, with the London club going on a not too dissimilar run to the one the Midlands outfit are currently on.

A lot has changed since that defeat, including the team, the style of play and the manager. But the supporters will be well aware that it will be very tough to get over that promotion line.

But first, they must secure their top-six status and securing three points against another promotion rival at the weekend will only push them a step closer to finishing in that top-six.