Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Predictions, odds and betting tips

MIDDLESBROUGH are aiming to go back up to the top flight at the first time of asking as they host Aston Villa in the Championship play-off semi-final.

Villa finished seven points and one place ahead of their opponents and will be confident after taking four points off Boro this season.

Robert Snodgrass to score anytime, 4/1 with Sun Bets

A draw and Britt Assombalonga to score anytime, 6/1 with Sun Bets

1 Adama Traore has been a key player for Middlesbrough Credit: JOHN CLIFTON

The Championship play-offs are possibly the tensest games of the season, with so much riding on them.

Villa will be buoyed by the fact they have already beaten Middlesbrough at the Riverside this season thanks to a goal from Robert Snodgrass.

With the stakes so much higher this time round, we’re tipping the Scot to bag again at 4/1 with Sun Bets.

Britt Assombalonga has hit the back of the net 15 times in the league for Boro this season and the striker could the key to breaking Villa down.

You can get 6/1 with Sun Bets on a drawn game with Assombalonga scoring anytime.



What time is kick-off?

THIS match will take place on Saturday, May 12.

It will kick-off at 5:15pm.

Riverside Stadium will host the showdown.

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Which TV channel is it on and can I live stream it?

YOU can watch this match live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.

If you're not a Sky subscriber, you can watch all the action live with a Now TV Sports Pass for £7.99. Buy one here.

Coverage will start at 5pm.

Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all of the action on the SunSport LIVE blog.

What is the team news?

Villa have a handful of injury issues to deal with ahead of Saturday's showdown at the Riverside.

Birkir Bjarnason is a huge doubt after suffering with a calf injury.

Axel Tuanzebe missed the Millwall clash with an ankle injury.

Steve Bruce admitted that he will be lucky if he plays again for the Villans this season.

Neil Taylor could also be unavailable after he was sidelined for the clash against the Lions with a hamstring injury.

Boro have no new injury concerns ahead of the first leg.

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