West Brom are down to 10 men once again!

Chris Brunt the man to go this time for a second yellow.

He can't have any complaints - the tackle was late and ugly on John McGinn. They've had a long-running tussle all game.

Tammy Abraham's free-kick goes well over.

Image source, Rex Features

Image source, Getty Images

Ged Scott
BBC Sport at The Hawthorns

Villa have been bullied so far tonight, both in terms of territorial possession and physical commitment.

Not to mention the two confrontations between Chris Brunt and John McGinn that, another night, in another place, might easily have brought a red card for the Albion captain, if not two!

But finally forcing Sam Johnstone into his first meaningful save does at least show Villa have plenty of fight left in them.

A change for each side...

West Brom bring on Rekeem Harper for Matt Phillips, while the visitors replace the ineffective Andre Green with Albert Adomah.

We have about 13 minutes of normal time left. Extra time looms...

Villa's Anwar El Ghazi tries a risky dribble in his own third and gives the ball away.

Neil Taylor has to take one for the team, fouling Mason Holgate (although he seemed to get a big chunk of the ball too) and West Brom have a free-kick which Chris Brunt will put in...

There's a foul in the box though and Villa have a reprieve.

Stefan Johansen's race is run - he's replaced by Albion stalwart James Morrison.

As we're into the final 20 minutes at The Hawthorns, let me remind you that if it stays like it is we'll be going into extra-time, as there's no away goals rule in the play-offs.

Penalties could follow, too!

Anwar El Ghazi hasn't had much joy for Villa tonight but he unleashes a stinging shot from almost 25 yards which sees Sam Johnstone sprawl to his right to tip wide.

Better from the visitors.

West Brom have Stefan Johansen down - the midfielder is on a booking, so this may be a good time for their first substitution...

Image source, Reuters

Seconds later West Brom's Chris Brunt is yellow-carded for a lunge in midfield on John McGinn.

Some would say about time - Brunt stepped on McGinn's hand in the first half, but it was difficult to say whether there was any intent.

Chris Brunt has a wand of a left foot and bends one just wide of the post from more than 20 yards out.

West Brom continue to be on top as Villa just can't make the ball stick at the other end.

That was a good old-fashioned scrap!

Around 15 players crammed into Villa's six-yard box as the corner came in and after pinging around, Matt Phillips nods over for the hosts.

Nervy times again for Dean Smith's side.

Image source, Getty Images

West Brom string a couple of corners together - we already know how dangerous they can be from set-pieces.

Villa haven't looked comfortable defending them all night...

Not for the first time tonight, Stefan Johansen bodychecks Villa's Jack Grealish in midfield, and this time the Baggies midfielder is carded.

The visitors have regained their composure somewhat in the past couple of minutes, though John McGinn's wild strike - high, wide and unhandsome - would suggest otherwise!

Having started the half on the front foot Villa are now wilting under the pressure and energy of the West Brom players.

Jay Rodriguez is next to threaten for the hosts, his shot on the turn from 20 yards gathered at the second attempt by Jed Steer.

The Baggies can smell blood...

Conflicting opinions on #bbcefl regarding that first-half incident between Chris Brunt and John McGinn...

Centrist Dad: Really poor refereeing so far, headlock on Hourihane for the goal and deliberate stamp on McGinn unpunished.

Dave King: Stamp right in front of the ref, who seems too scared to pull any cards out. Poor performance from him.

Brandon Whiteside: Not a red card, Brunt has simply lost his balance and misplaced his feet, Chris Kavanagh has got it spot on.

Brunt certainly stepped on McGinn's arm but referee Chris Kavanagh either didn't see it or must have deemed it was accidental.

Image source, Reuters

Villa have Tammy Abraham back on but West Brom are turning the screw.

First Chris Brunt unleashes a drive from range which rises over the bar...

Then Tyrone Mings frantically clears a Jacob Murphy shot after Villa give the ball away at the back.

Image source, Rex Features

Tammy Abraham goes down and stays down following a tangle with West Brom centre-back Kyle Bartley.

The England striker is holding the shoulder which has been problematic for him recently.

He's being treated now and doesn't look 100%.

No, West Brom stay strong.

At the third time of asking Villa get a cross in, but Tammy Abraham can only prod it well wide of the target.

The visitors have started the half strongly, though.

Villa take it short and Conor Hourihane is then taken down - free-kick given.

This has a better angle to it than the corner...

Image source, Getty Images

As in the first half, Villa have an early corner thanks to Anwar El Ghazi's attempted cross.

Can they make anything of this one?

The tie is level. West Brom have the crowd and momentum on their side.

Can Villa turn their possession and passing into some clear-cut opportunities?

We're back under way.

Garry Thompson
Ex-Aston Villa & West Brom striker on BBC WM 95.6

Jonathan Kodjia is unpredictable and will make the wrong decision at times, but when he makes the right decision he can get goals. He's well worth a gamble for Villa tonight.