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Aston Villa’s U21s could play in front of their biggest-ever following next week as fans plan to turn out in force and back their promotion bid.

The high-flying side are second in Division Two and will confirm a play-off place with a week to spare if they see off West Ham on Monday.

Rivals Albion inflicted the first defeat of the year on the Young Lions last night but they will be able to make amends with success at Villa Park on April 11.

Jack Grealish, Adama Traore, Andre Green and Jordan Lyden could all spearhead the charge as a number of the older development players are currently out on loan.

Riccardo Calder, Lewis Kinsella, and Jerell Sellars are all gaining valuable experience in the lower leagues so Villa have a relatively young bunch to choose from.

However recent form, barring yesterday’s defeat, suggests they are coping well and the introduction of striker Keinan Davis has given them an added boost.

In defence, Niall Mason and Easah Suliman have looked accomplished this term and will soon be pushing the seniors for first-team involvement.

Caretaker boss Eric Black is reluctant to introduce the kids to the first-team at this stage, though. given the toxic atmosphere around Villa Park.

Supporters have reached boiling point in recent times and are now regularly protesting at home games.

But in a bid to show the development team that they have their full backing, a Twitter page has been devoted to their end-of-season promotion push.

As a result, interest in the U21s’ progress has soared in recent times and a bumper crowd is expected next week.

The Birmingham Mail caught up with the group of Villa fans who have set up the @SupportThe21s page and they told us: “Many fans are craving a way to protest and vent their frustration against the first team.

"We believe that attending this fixture in large numbers and creating a positive atmosphere for the U21’s will provide a platform to do so in a productive way, whilst also providing an opportunity to witness a passionate team under the floodlights at Villa Park.

“On Monday April 11 (kick-off 7pm) we hope everyone will join us to create something special for the lads, give them the support they deserve and ultimately generate a larger interest in U21 fixtures of the future.

“We urge the fans who attend to leave the negatives at the gates and roar the Young Lions to promotion.”

If Villa finish between second place and fifth place they will enter into the play-offs which will eventually decide who joins the league winner in earning promotion to Division One.

Tickets are available on the day and are free for season-ticket holders. Adults are charged just £2 and £1 for concessions.

Gregg Evans on Villa's defeat to Chelsea