Momentum is always a massive factor when it comes to deciding who achieves promotion from the Championship.
England’s second tier is one of the most competitive leagues in the world as no matter where you are in the standings, becoming complacent can be incredibly costly as everyone can beat each other on any given day.
Aston Villa’s resurgence in recent weeks has seen them win their last four games with their latest victory coming against play-off rivals Middlesbrough at the weekend. Goals from Anwar El Ghazi, John McGinn and Albert Adomah allowed the Lions to move up to 6th in Championship, leapfrogging Derby County, who have played a game less.
Yet although it cannot be argued that Villa’s form under Dean Smith makes them serious contenders for promotion via the play-offs this season, it is extremely important that they maintain their focus in their last eight fixtures.
If they are still in the hunt by the time they face Leeds United on April 27th, the Lions know that the result at Elland Road could easily make or break their season. Smith’s side will be eager to avenge their 3-2 defeat in the corresponding fixture and will know that they could also play a huge role in deciding who goes up automatically to the Premier League this season.
With the top three sides in the Championship separated by just five points, the promotion race is looking increasingly likely to be going down to the wire. After their trip to Leeds, the Lions will host leaders Norwich City at Villa Park on the final day of the 2018/19 campaign on May 5th.
Whereas two wins in two games against the Whites and Canaries would provide the emphasis needed for Villa to launch their own push for promotion, back-to-back defeats could prove disastrous with Smith’s side maybe facing the possibility of missing out on a top six finish.
The next six games are by no means less important for the Lions but in terms of building a platform for the play-offs, their results against two of the Championship’s best will go along way to determine whether they are capable of returning to the Premier League after three years away.
What do you think Villa fans? Are you confident that your side can clinch their place in the play-offs by the end of the season? Or will the Lions’ fate be determined by their results against Leeds and Norwich? Let us know below.