Aston Villa head into their last two games knowing that the pressure is off of them, which will be a relief to Dean Smith.
The Villans confirmed their spot in the play-off places with their ten consecutive win in the league on Monday against Bristol City.
It looks as though there is little stopping Smith’s side, but he could be tempted to make changes to give key players a rest ahead of the play-offs.
One man in particular that could be set for a rest is John McGinn, who will have to serve a three-match suspension if he is to pick up two more yellow cards before the season reaches a conclusion.
It seems highly unlikely that Dean Smith is even going to risk playing him for the final two league games, as he’s been such a key player to their promotion bid this season.
But with McGinn looking like he will be rested ahead of some key games to come, this could be a blessing in disguise for a returning midfielder in Smith’s squad.
Henri Lansbury has only recently returned to the first-team picture for Villa, but his return couldn’t have come at a better time for Dean Smith.
It gives the Villa boss some much-needed depth to his squad as he looks to rest key players ahead of the play-offs.
Lansbury is more than capable of stepping into the Aston Villa starting XI and performing to a high enough standard.
He’s got a point to prove as well, having been limited to just two substitute appearances this season for the Villans due to his injury problems.
But if he can recapture the form that made him a regular for Nottingham Forest earlier in his career, then he could provide Dean Smith with a welcome selection dilemma heading into the play-offs in May.
Competition for places is never a bad thing and Lansbury is more than capable of challenging the likes of Hourihane and McGinn for a starting spot for the remainder of this year’s campaign.
This could be Lansbury’s last chance to make a good impression to Smith, and if he doesn’t take it, then you have to feel that he could be heading for the exit door at Villa Park in the summer.