Image source, Getty Images

Boro are having a decent spell, but it's all high balls in to the box and Villa are dealing with them pretty well.

A good run from former Boro winger Albert Adomah draws a roar from the Villa fans, but as he lays it off for Conor Hourihane after cutting inside, Hourihane's shot is a tame one and goes straight to the keeper.

Ged Scott
BBC Sport at Villa Park

Image source, Reuters

What a pulsating first quarter of an hour!

It's not just the Holte Enders in full voice, it has felt like the entire ground roaring Villa on, almost trapping Boro in their own half with a wall of noise.

In fact, when Lewis Grabban charged down Darren Randolph's attempted clearance, the howls of expectation were almost deafening.

But now Boro have gone upfield at last and broken the shackles, you can hear the away fans too in their two-tiered red and white corner of the Witton Lane Stand.

Stewart Downing's left-wing corner is a bit too deep and comes to nothing from Boro's point of view.

It's been a bit scrappy so far. However, from a long George Friend throw, Boro have won a corner...

Ouch. Boro's George Friend, after good work down the left, goes in to the penalty area, running towards the six-yard box, but a poor touch sees him lose control of the ball and he slides in on Villa keeper Sam Johnstone, catching the Villa number one with a foot off the ground.

It's a yellow card for Friend.

Image source, Getty Images

Nearly!

Conor Hourihane charges down a Boro clearance and blocks keeper Darren Randolph's booted attempt to clear - but, fortunately for the visitors, it doesn't rebound in to the net. A lucky escape for Boro.

If Middlesbrough are going to turn this tie around, they'll have to provide better service to lone striker Britt Assombalonga than they did on Saturday, and he'll have to use it better when it comes.

Tonight's first real long ball towards the front man is too long.

Image source, Reuters

Villa create the first opening, as Jack Grealish's shot from outside the box is blocked, before Boro's Adam Clayton stops Lewis Grabban's effort from the left.

From the resulting corner, James Bree fires over for the hosts. Not a bad start from them.

Villa's Robert Snodgrass receives some early treatment after a tough challenge, but he'll be fine to continue.

Just to remind you, the away goals rule does not apply in the play-offs, so - for example - a 2-1 win for Middlesbrough after 90 minutes would force extra-time.

Penalties could, theoretically, be needed too.

Image source, Getty Images

Here we go then. The hosts Aston Villa - in their traditional claret and blue kit, of course - get this big, big game under way.

Before we get up and running, there's a minute's applause following this morning's death of former Aston Villa and Bolton defender Jlloyd Samuel.

'There's only one Jlloyd Samuel' can be heard from the stands.

Image source, Getty Images

Ged Scott
BBC Sport at Villa Park

Outside the ground there was a tension in the air, with Aston Villa obviously now the favourites after their first-leg win.

And, don't forget, Middlesbrough have won here once already this season, in a different competition, and with a different manager, Garry Monk.

Inside Villa Park, however, the place is bouncing.

These sides were separated by seven points after the regular 46-game season.

Right now, just one goal separates them.

Which way is this one going? Kick-off at Villa Park is moments away.

The players walk out of the tunnel into a cauldron of noise in the West Midlands.

Image source, Getty Images

Steve Bruce is bidding for a fifth promotion to the top-flight of his managerial career. His Villa side hold a slender lead tonight, as they bid to go one step closer, and will be backed by a full house at Villa Park.

As well as following this live text service, you can listen on your radio if you're in either of the two teams' local areas, via BBC WM 95.6 or BBC Tees.

BBC Sport app users may need to click the link to view this Tweet.

Matt Newsum
BBC Sport

Middlesbrough's supporters clapped them off the field as they headed for the dressing rooms at the Riverside on Saturday evening. Their performance improved as time ticked on but a lack of genuine, bona fide chances were their downfall.

If anyone can instill an underdog mentality going to Villa Park, then it's Tony Pulis.

No one will be writing Boro off yet, but it's a tough ask all the same.

Image source, Rex Features

The winners of tonight's tie will face Fulham at Wembley in the final on 26 May, after the Whites beat Derby last night.

Here's the match report on their comeback.

BBC Sport app users may need to click the link to view these Tweets.