West Bromwich Albion will need to overturn a 2-1 aggregate deficit when they welcome Aston Villa to the Hawthorns for the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final on Tuesday.
The Baggies were 1-0 up at half-time at Villa Park on Saturday but conceded twice in the final 20 minutes to come away with a defeat.
Latest odds
Having won just one of their last six home meetings against this opposition, they are priced at 7/5 (2.40) with bet365 to keep their promotion dreams alive by coming out on top here.
Dean Smith’s men have now lost just once in 14 fixtures, and can be backed at 7/4 (2.75) to book their place in the final for the second year in a row with a 12th victory in 14.
Five of the last six encounters between this pair at this ground have resulted in draws, and you can get odds of 5/2 (3.50) on them cancelling each other out once again.
Team news
Dwight Gayle is suspended due to his late red card on Saturday, while Hal Robson-Kanu serves the second game of his own three-match ban. Craig Dawson will be assessed after leaving the field due to illness just after half-time, with Jake Livermore also a doubt.
James Chester remains doubtful despite returning to training, with Orjan Nyland the only other injury absentee for the guests.
Preview
While Gayle’s absence is a major blow for Jimmy Shan, he will still back Jay Rodriguez and Co. to pose a threat in the Championship’s second-most prolific attack.
However, it may prove more difficult at the other end of the pitch, where his side must try and contain an opponent that has not failed to score since February’s league encounter at Villa Park – averaging two goals a game in the 14 subsequent fixtures.
Tips and predictions
With West Brom needing to push forward, odds of 4/5 (1.80) seem extremely generous on an open clash producing over 2.5 goals for their eighth game in 10, as well as a ninth in 12 for Villa.
All odds correct at time of publish. Please gamble responsibly.
Over 2.5 goals for a 2pt stake at 4/5 (1.80) with bet365
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