Sam Johnstone savouring Aston Villa sell-out
Sam Johnstone claims Villa’s players are relishing the prospect of another “big-game atmosphere” when they host Derby tomorrow.
Steve Bruce’s men will take on the Rams in front of only the second sell-out crowd of the season at Villa Park.
The hosts have tended to thrive on such occasions, memorably recording wins over rivals Blues and Wolves in recent months. And Johnstone said: “I’ve read about the big crowd. They’re always great occasions and we are looking forward to it.”
Villa will head into the game with their automatic promotion hopes still mathematically alive, knowing victory would at the very least deal a psychological blow to a possible play-off opponent.
“It’s a massive game,” added Johnstone. “It’s crazy to think we could play either Derby or Millwall in the play-offs, or stop them getting there. We just need to keep winning and see what happens.”
Both skipper John Terry and striker Jonathan Kodjia could return for the hosts.