After exciting game and surprising away win against Leeds United Derby County booked ticket to Wembley for Championship playoff final against Aston Villa. Birmingham squad somehow jumped over WBA after penalty shootout. Those clubs will face each other at Wembely on Saturday 27. May to resolve who is going up to Premier League and who is staying for some more drill in Championship next season.

Aston Villa

D.Smith's side had great run sine March winning every game until match against Leeds, but they didn't show good football against WBA. They were one goal down at home ground in first leg, they let WBA create some good counter attacks in second half, but Hurrihane's long distance bomb following penalty few minutes later secured victory for them. Stupid Gayle's red card made all look like Villa will be in big advantage in second leg. However they conceded goal and were unable to equalize even with extra man on field since 80th minute. Thanks to no away goal rule they crawled to penalties and eliminated local rival WBA. Main strength of Birmingham squad are striker T.Abraham scorer of 26 goals from 39 games, J. Grealish who plays on left midfield position and bomber C. Hourihane midfilder who scored 8 goals. Notable and very skillful man is also left winger El Ghazi.

Aston Villa is playing 4-3-3 and attacks came often over wings. They are very good at attacking set pieces and can create chances by using skill of players. Their players look like with very good skill. During a season they were also good at coming back from losing positions in the game. Attacking midfielder 23 years old Englishman J.Grealish is leader of squad and the best rated man of club. Weaknesses are defending from set pieces, defending long shots and aerial duels.

Derby County

F.Lamard's side somehow eliminated Leeds United. They lost first leg against Leeds 0:1, but then won away with 2:4. They are good in counter attacks, free kicks and finishing chances, not so good at defending, arial duels or defending set pieces. Main goal scorers are H. Wilson 16, M. Mount 9, M. Waghorn 9 and J. Marriott with 9 goals scored. They are playing through the middle with through balls, or over right wing because right wing back Boggie is the best assistant of club with 9. The best rated player and leader of squad is 23 year old Welshman H. Willson. Against Leeds they played 4-2-3-1 formation which can transform into 4-3-3.

Conclusion

Aston Villa will try their style of play short passes and attacking over wings especially over left one over Grealish and El Ghazi. They will try a lot of crosses and to control ball on Derby's half. Derby will try through balls through the middle and eventually over right flank.

Prediction

Aston Villa players look with better skill, especially El Ghazi and Grealish. Abraham is also great center forward. Aston Villa will probably score after set pieces or after cross from flank. I think Aston Villa will win that clash and my prediction is 2:1.