The race to win promotion to the Premier League is hotting up in the Championship as we head towards the conclusion of the season. 

Aston Villa are one of the favourites to win the play-offs, but one man has is predicting that West Brom could deny them a place back in the top-flight.

Former Leeds United striker, Noel Whelan feels as though the Baggies have the edge over the Villans, with their attacking options being stronger than Dean Smith's side this season.

In an interview with Football Insider, Whlean feels as though Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez will tilt the race for promotion in West Brom's hands.

"Scoring goals win matches and only Norwich have scored more times than West Brom this season.

"They have massive experience across the front line and the dangermen are undoubtedly Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle."

The duo both have 21 league goals each to their name this season as West Brom look to cement their place inside the play-off places in the near future.

"They are a potent pairing and complement each other well. Rodriguez is strong, powerful, can link up the play and score goals. Gayle can play out wide but as a central striker he can make diagonal runs off the centre-backs. 

"Rodriguez is not as clinical as Gayle, who inside the six-yard box will put away most chances that come is his way."

West Brom are next in action when they take on Hull City, who will be hoping to keep their own play-off challenge alive with a positive result at The Hawthorns.

It's certain to be an interesting conclusion to the season, with teams fighting it out to win promotion to the Premier League for next year's campaign.

The Verdict: 

He's spot on.

Gayle and Rodriguez have been hugely impressive for West Brom this season and I think they could tilt the play-offs in their favour ahead of Aston Villa.

I can see Villa struggling to contain the deadly duo.