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Aston Villa boss Dean Smith questions Championship play-off final scheduling

Dean Smith has questioned the scheduling of this weekend’s play-off final as Villa prepare to face Derby on Monday for a place in the Premier League.

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The clash is the last of three finals at Wembley over the Bank Holiday but by far the most high-profile, with the price of victory estimated at around £170million.

Villa have found themselves with a 13-day build-up after beating Albion on penalties.

And Smith said: “It’s a long time to wait. It’s a little bit wrong in my opinion that – given the prize which is on offer – and we’re the third game on at Wembley over the weekend.

“But the players are really excited and looking forward to the game now.”

“I just think it should be the first one. It’s the biggest game. Who knows what the pitch will be like?

“I’m guessing with technology now it will be perfect. But for me it’s the biggest game, put it on first.”

Smith gave his players three days off after the semi-final win over the Baggies and has tried to make the best of the longer preparation time.

He said: “It's a long period to wait - 13 days - from winning the tie to getting through. You have a bit of time to kill but it gives you preparation time.

“They've had some recovery to go along with their training and the players and staff got the West Brom game out of their system during the three days off.

“After the 13 days with the players it's like the international break but you actually have your players. It has a little bit of a pre-season feel. Hence why we broke it up a little for the players.”

Smith has no fresh injury concerns heading into the match, with goalkeeper Orjan Nyland (Achilles) the only player not battling for a place in the squad.