Play-off Semifinal Leg Two: Aston Villa vs. Middlesbrough

Since the job’s only halfway done, the business at hand tonight will be all about whether Boro can or will shuffle things around. Or whether you can negate Traore twice in four days using the same tactics. In other words, how will Adama and Tony Pulis react? And can Villa conjure up a repeat performance? Boro will be desperate, and Villa can’t afford to retreat into a shell. Now’s the time to roar and give Fulham something to think about.

Aston Villa 1-1 Preston North End: Match Review

Preston North End came round to pay us as visit and left with a well-earned point, even if their goal was another that Sam Johnstone will regret. Lewis Grabban coolly slotted home from the spot to earn Villa’s share of the spoils, and the losing streak was stopped at one. I’ll take the result, but I’m not quite sure how much Villa deserved the point.