Ally Robertson: Aston Villa are the opposition that make my West Brom blood boil

It all stems back from my playing days. I always thought we had the better team when we came up against them.

There may have been one or two times when it was maybe equal. But I never feared them. I always thought we had enough.

But we had this strange circle in the derbies. It felt like Villa would always beat us, we would always beat Blues and Blues would always beat Villa.

I’ve never been able to work out why that was the case. But that’s why Villa are the team that really makes my blood boil.

I wouldn’t be bothered if Jay Rodriguez handled one in again, although I expect that to be long forgotten by the time the game kicks off tomorrow.

It’s a huge game tomorrow. Their form is up and down like a yo-yo. Ours has also fluctuated a bit.

What we have to do is keep a clean sheet – if we do that we will win the game because we will score. Villa will be thinking the same, their strength is undoubtedly going forward. Tammy Abraham has said he wants to score 30 goals this year. And I’m expecting it to be an open, attacking game.

What gives the game added spice is that the result is huge for both teams.

We need to win to close that gap to the top two.

And Villa need to win because the gap between the top seven and everyone else is getting bigger.

I did always think they would be in around the play-offs this year.

They have had a bit of unrest with Steve Bruce’s departure and Dean Smith’s arrival. But I do think Smith has done a good job since he has gone in there, even if they’d expect to be higher up the table.

They are playing good football at times and I think they will be better defensively once Smith has had a full pre-season with them.

For now though, their defensive frailties are something we have to exploit.

We are getting to the stage now where there are some massive games coming up.

And in the Championship, anyone can beat anyone.

But it’s imperative we kick on. We have been in the top six all season and deserve our place there.

And there is no reason why we can’t close the gap on the top two and force our way in.

The best way to start a strong end to the season is by beating Villa tomorrow. So let’s go out and do it, let’s get that win that helps push us back in contention for the top two.

And at the same time, let’s dent Villa hopes of a top-six finish even more.