Aston Villa take on Leicester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg in what looks to be a thrilling encounter at Villa Park.

The tie currently stands at 1-1. Kelechi Iheanacho’s late goal cancelled out Frederic Guilbert’s first-half opener, leaving it all to play for in tomorrow night’s return leg at Villa Park.

It’s been contrasting seasons for the two Midland clubs. Aston Villa find themselves in the midst of a relegation battle and. Whereas Leicester City, are having a stormer of a season and are looking likely to be qualifying for the Champions League.

However, both sides will be putting their league campaigns aside for 90 minutes and will be focusing on reaching the EFL Cup Final.

Both these sides have experienced Wembley in the last few years. Villa most recently in 2018 and 2019, wherein the latter they secured promotion back to the Premier League. No doubt the supporters of the Second City side will be hoping that their team reach Wembley for the third year running.

Leicester played at the National Stadium back in August 2016 where they lost 2-1 to Manchester United in the Community Sheild, but they too will hope their team walk out under the iconic Wembley arch, next month.

Villa’s most recent League Cup Final was back in 2010, where they too were beaten by United. Their last time they won this competition was in 1996 where they beat Leeds United 3-0.

Leicester, on the other hand, could be heading to their first major final since the beginning of the millennium, where a brace from Matt Elliott secured the Foxes a 2-1 victory in the 2000 final against Tranmere Rovers.

If the tie finishes as a draw this evening, there will be no extra-time and the game will go straight to a penalty shoot-out.

Team news

For Aston Villa – Tom Heaton and Wesley are both out for the rest of the season with knee injuries. John McGinn is also out with a lengthy injury after he injured his ankle in December. Jed Steer is out with a leg problem and won’t be back until February. Keinan Davis could return tomorrow after he was out with a thigh problem.

For Leicester – Nampalys Mendy out until March with a knee injury. Daniel Amartey and Matty James are unavailable and have no set return dates. Jamie Vardy will feature return for Leicester tomorrow according to his manager Brendan Rodgers.

Dean Smith on his side reaching a major final

“It would be a massive thing. The football club have won this competition five times previously and we have a great history in this competition.

To go and get to a major domestic cup final in my first full season would be magnificent. I know just from feeling how it was in last season’s Play-Off Final what a great place it can be to go.

That last minute winner against Watford has given everybody a lift and put a spring in their step. The players are certainly looking forward to it.”

Brendan Rodgers on the tie at Villa Park

“It’s a semi-final and it’s a huge opportunity for us.

We played well there so we will have confidence.

We know it’s going to be tight. They’ve had a couple of good results that will give them confidence.

You’ve got to stay calm. There’s lots of emotions around these games.

I don’t really see it as someone as favourite. It’s well balanced, at 1-1 with no away goals.

We’re now relaxing and concentrating on the game.”

Head-to-head

Aston Villa wins – 33

Draws – 25

Leicester City – 42