Two play-off contenders meet this weekend in the Championship when Aston Villa host Middlesbrough.

Villa Park will see the two teams battle it out for three points that mean different things to either side.

Dean Smith’s men are two points outside the top-six, and with Bristol City and Derby County not playing this weekend, a victory could propel them into the play-off places and within a point of their visitors tomorrow.

Tony Pulis’ side, meanwhile have been stagnant for long periods of this season dwelling in the top-six without threatening to breakaway or challenge for the top two for several weeks.

Boro have lost three of their last six, including their last two and have been stuttering with indifferent form.

Villa, however, have picked up since the return of Jack Grealish – winning three on the bounce after a run of five without a win.

Ahead of the meeting between the two sides, David Prutton once again offered his prediction to the outcome for Sky Sports, casting his eye on this particular contest.

The EFL presenter said: “Aston Villa look a totally different proposition now to a couple of weeks ago, having won three games on the spin.

“Middlesbrough, meanwhile, have now lost their last two and are starting to look over their shoulders a bit.

“Confidence will be low, and they are missing a few key players, so I'll back a Villa win, 2-0.”

The verdict

This is a game that is important for both sides with Middlesbrough hanging on to their top-six place.

With Aston Villa looking to rip it from Pulis’ men.

And I think Smith’s outfit will – I agree with Prutton in the outcome of the game and I think Villa will go from strength to strength going into the final weeks of the season.