Former Leeds United star and current Sky Sports pundit Danny Mills has revealed he has had to go for his head over his heart in predicting Aston Villa’s success in the play-offs this season.
Both the Whites and the Villans are in control of their respective ties against Derby County and West Brom after the first legs, with 90 minutes – plus the possibility of extra time and penalties – to decide who will be facing off against each other at Wembley.
Insisting his heart says Leeds, Murphy revealed his bet would be on Dean Smith’s men, highlighting the quality of their squad as well as their presence in last year’s final as crucial factors for their potential success.
He told Sky Sports News (13/05, 11:56): “I think at the moment I think Villa have to be favourites – strength in depth, experience of last season – but I hope in my heart that it’s Leeds”
Opinion
There will be plenty of fans out there who would love to see both clubs – who are giants among the Championship sides – back in the Premier League but only one can make it this season. You can understand why Mills has picked Villa as his favourite for the play-offs as they are the side with momentum behind them, not to mention one of the best squads the division has to offer. Leeds meanwhile have had to bounce back from a poor run of form as well as a spate of injury problems to be in contention and they did well to see off Derby. They looked back to their best against the Rams and if they can replicate that sort of performance in the second leg then they will be off to Wembley. Then it is all about who can perform on the day and Villa and Leeds look like two very well matched sides. Do not rule out West Brom or Derby just yet though – there are still 90 minutes for each to dash both the hopes of their rivals as well as the prediction of Mills.