OPINION
Aston Villa’s 4-0 away demolition of Ipswich Town at the weekend kept their slim hopes of automatic promotion alive, but with just two games remaining they know that the play-offs are the most likely scenario.
The Midlands giants are heading into those crunch fixtures in perfect fashion, having won their last three consecutive league matches without conceding.
Steve Bruce’s team should be confident going into the play-off format and players are all jostling for a starting position.
One player that is making a late surge to throw his name into contention if versatile midfielder Josh Onomah, who has endured a turbulent loan spell from Tottenham.
The 20-year-old has had mixed reviews during his season-long loan at Villa Park, with his form deserting him in the second half of the season after a promising start.
However, the England Under-21 international definitely has the technical ability and is just searching for the consistency.
Onomah may be timing his run perfectly to play a key role in the play-offs after turning in two impressive displays in the last two games.
He particularly stood out in the Ipswich victory, assisting Lewis Grabban for both of his goals in that game and also demonstrating he can do the defensive side too.
Onomah would definitely be an unlikely hero to help Villa get over the line for promotion, but Bruce may find it hard to ignore him if he keeps up his good form and use him in some manner during the play-offs.