Tim Sherwood believes that his former side Aston Villa will win the Championship play-offs to secure a return to the Premier League after three years out of the top tier.

A club record run of ten straight league victories, followed by Sunday's controversial draw with play-off rivals Leeds, has seen Villa secure a place in the top six for the second consecutive season, and Sherwood believe they will avoid a repeat of the Wembley heartbreak they suffered at the hands of Fulham 12 months ago.

Giving his prediction for the play-offs, Sherwood told Sky Sports' Debate programme: "I'll go Villa for the play-offs. My old club and I'd love to see them back in the Premier League."

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So far Leeds and West Brom have confirmed their places alongside Villa in the play-offs, with one of Derby, Middlesbrough and Bristol City set to complete the four team lineup.

With West Brom and Villa looking likely to finish fourth and fifth respectively, there is a strong chance the two Midlands sides will come up against each other in the semi finals, and discussing the prospect of a derby between the two sides, Sherwood added: "There are some big clubs there fighting it out and I can tell you the rivalry between Villa and West Brom is huge.

"Those two games are going to be huge football matches."

Sherwood was manager of Villa for eight months between February and October 2015, during which time he won 10 and lost 16 of his 28 games in charge of the club.

The Verdict

Given the momentum Villa look set to carry into the play-offs, it seems difficult to argue with Sherwood here.

They have a side brimming with confidence, and with a number of key players such as Tammy Abraham and Tyrone Mings in on loan, they will be desperate to give those players as much reason as possible to return to Villa Park next season.

There is also the added incentive of what they may see as revenge for the controversy that surrounded the draw with Leeds, another thing that could work in Villa's favour as they search for a Premier League return.

Thoughts? Let us know!