Villa Park is the venue for this evening’s Championship clash between Aston Villa and Sheffield United.

It is yet another intriguing second-tier clash between two sides who need the points for their own various reasons.

Chris Wilder’s men could go top of the table with a win tonight and will be level on points with Leeds United and Norwich City, the other two automatic promotion contenders.

Dean Smith’s side will move within one point of the top six for an evening at least, but it would give them a chance to improve their current form.

Villa have one win in their last five matches, while the Blades have lost just one of their last six in comparison.

Both sides have opposite form which adds to a fascinating encounter it looks set to be.

Ahead of the game, Sky Sports enlisted the help of David Prutton to offer his thoughts on the outcome of this particular Championship fixture.

The EFL pundit said: “It is too many draws that are hurting Aston Villa at the moment.

“They managed a rare clean sheet at Reading last weekend but then misfired at the other end as well.

“Victory on Friday night could send Sheffield United top of the table.

“Their performance against Villa earlier this season was arguably their best of the season, Chris Wilder will go there to win, and I think they will do that, 1-2.”

The verdict

This is a fascinating match between the two sides who will be looking to earn three points to aid their individual promotion pushes.

David Prutton has gone for a 2-1 win for the Blades and it is hard to see that from being the case.

But Villa are at home, and it will make the last a little harder, I think this would end in a 1-1 draw this evening