Aston Villa overcame West Midlands rival West Bromwich Albion on penalties to reach their second successive final, while Derby produced an almighty comeback to beat Leeds United 4-3 on aggregate.
The head-to-head over the season saw Villa win 7-0 which doesn't make pretty reading for Derby fans. Derby's task is also made harder as left back Scott Malone is suspended, sent off late on against Leeds, meaning Ashley Cole will more than likely grace the Wembley turf once more. This game has also been billed as the 'Chelsea Reunion', with Cole managed by Frank Lampard at Derby and John Terry as Villa's assistant manager (this is all crap).
Big matches require big players to step up and Jack Grealish will be the one Villa will look to. Regardless of Aston Villa getting promoted, Grealish will surely be playing Premier League football next season with many clubs interested in his services.
For Derby, they have to hope for big performances from loanees Mason Mount and Harry Wilson. Both were instrumental at Leeds and have that X factor to produce a moment of magic. The Rams will also need a determined defence if they are to prevent Villa from scoring, which means Richard Keogh must find a way to not be the pantomime act.
VERDICT - Aston Villa
I would like to see Derby go up more than Villa (no hatred towards Villa) but by looking at the two squads, Villa are superior. They have the best player in the league in Grealish and are the side in form. It certainly won't be easy and Derby will put up a good fight.
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