Smith should look to Lampard’s blueprint as Villa seek vital victory over Middlesbrough

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One thing that makes the Championship so fascinating is the clash of styles. In an era where many sides are looking to use flowing football to get out of the second tier, Tony Pulis’ Middlesbrough side are taking a different approach.

Boro have conceded just ten goals this season as the Welshman’s robust approach has started to take shape; his side are just two points off the lead.

Dean Smith was brought in as Aston Villa manager partially because Steve Bruce’s similarly pragmatic style had worn too thin with the supporters and the former Brentford boss’ attacking approach has already had an impact.

It has its flipsides too; Villa conceded half of Boro’s tally for the season within just one game on Wednesday night, as Tammy Abraham’s four-goal haul could only earn Smith’s side a 5-5 home draw against Nottingham Forest.

But Frank Lampard’s Derby side showed that an energetic, attacking approach can unsettle Pulis’ experienced, workmanlike side and were desperately unlucky to only get a 1-1 draw from their trip to the Riverside Stadium last month.

That’s the blueprint that Smith must follow as he takes his side to the north east tomorrow looking for a vital win as they approach a testing run of fixtures going into the Christmas period.

The defensive mistakes in midweek should not put Villa off having a go at Boro; if they do, they can go one better than Derby and leave with all three points.