ASTON VILLA

manager Dean Smith believes West Bromwich will be severely weakened by the loss of striker Dwight Gayle for tonight’s Championship play-off second leg. Gayle was sent off in Villa’s 2-1 win in the first leg and Smith said: ‘It’s a big loss for them, he’s a good player. When he plays down the middle, he can score 20 to 25 goals in a season.’