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Aston Villa to compete in the EFL Championship play-off semi-finals

By Josh Tonti

IPSWICH, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Lewis Grabban of Aston Villa celebrates scoring the second goal of the game with team mate Conor Hourihane during the Sky Bet Championship match between Ipswich Town and Aston Villa at Portman Road on April 21, 2018 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Lewis Grabban of Aston Villa celebrates scoring the second goal of the game with team mate Conor Hourihane during the Sky Bet Championship match between Ipswich Town and Aston Villa at Portman Road on April 21, 2018 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) /
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Fulham’s Friday victory over Sunderland coupled with another three points from Cardiff City, ensured Aston Villa will be competing in the EFL Championship Play-Offs. It’s go time.

Aston Villa will compete in the EFL Championship play-off semi-finals later next month for a chance to return to the Premier League.

Absent from the top flight since 2015/2016, this season marked Villa’s second year in England’s second division. After 45 (soon to be 46) league matches, the claret and blues finish a decided fourth-place, behind Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham, and Cardiff City. In all, a great, yet unsatisfying season. Luckily for all involved, it is not yet over.

In all likelihood, Aston Villa will face Middlesbrough in the semi-finals, a two-legged affair, with Villa Park being the return venue. Here is a review of how the two clubs fared against each other this season:

September 12 / 0-0 Draw / Championship / Villa Park

Henri Lansbury and Adama Traore were sent off as both sides finished with ten men.

September 19 / 2-0 ‘Boro victory / Carabao Cup third round / Villa Park

Patrick Bamford recorded a nine-minute brace against a Villa reserve team.

December 30 / 1-0 Villa victory / Championship / Riverside Stadium

Yes, THAT Robert Snodgrass winner.

There remains a possibility Derby County could be the opponents instead, should Middlesbrough lose both of their remaining matches. Both teams provide distinct challenges for Aston Villa. Dates for the semi-finals are still to be announced, but they should begin about a week-and-a-half after the conclusion of the league season.

Next week Aston Villa travel to Millwall, a game in which Steve Bruce could utilize half a dozen teenagers with nothing to play for. 4th-place is secure.

Up the Villa.

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