Middlesbrough are preparing to host Aston Villa in their play-off semi-final tomorrow night and former Ireland keeper Shay Given thinks the game will be decided by fine margins.

Villa finished one place but seven points ahead of the Teesside club in the league but Boro enter the play-offs in good form, unbeaten in their last four.

Therefore, many see this is a clash that's too close to call and Given is no different.

"I think both ties will be really tight and anything can happen in either leg. Sometimes it takes a red card or penalty and it’s such a tense time for the fans occasions like these," he told 888 Sport.

That is backed up by the results in the games between the sides this season. The league games ended in a goalless draw and a 1-0 win for Villa, whilst Boro took a 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup.

The first-leg will be played at the Riverside tomorrow with a 17:15 kick-off, with the return fixture at Villa Park played at 19:45 just three days later.

The Verdict

Most play-off games are hard to call but this one seems particularly difficult.

Both sides are tough to beat and blessed with quality individuals in the final third whilst Tony Pulis and Steve Bruce will know how to set their sides up.

As Given says, both games are likely to be cagey and it could be a moment of magic or a mistake that separates the sides.

Read the full 888sport interview with Shay Given, including his thoughts on Villa’s promotion chances.