Dean Smith wants his Aston Villa squad to win and rest

The boss is eager to maintain the momentum built during a record-breaking 10 game winning run which has reignited hope of a return to the Premier League.

But he also wants to avoid placing too heavy a workload on key players before the play-offs begin.

Fifth-placed Villa, who could still pip rivals Albion to fourth, face Leeds and Norwich over their final two games.

Smith will sit down with his strength and conditioning staff to decide which players might need resting.

He explained: “There’s going to be a big balancing act I think. We want to make sure we continue this winning run as well. We will need to find a balancing act as to when best to rest players. That’s a job I will sit down with the performance staff and discuss.”

Smith is also likely to protect John McGinn should the midfield ace pick up a booking in Sunday’s match at Leeds.

McGinn, who has 13 for the season, is two away from facing a three-game ban - potentially ruling him out for the whole of the play-offs.

Top scorer Tammy Abraham has already been ruled out of the trip to Elland Road with a shoulder problem.

Jonathan Kodjia is again expected to deputise up front after getting the only goal in Monday’s 1-0 win over Millwall.

The Ivory Coast international has seen his chances limited this season due to Abraham’s superb form.

Smith said: “He’s been unfortunate because we’ve had a player on loan from the Premier League in Tammy who has scored 25 goals.

“That’s made it tough for him to get as many minutes. But he’s shown what he can do when he gets the opportunity.

“When Tammy gets fit it’s his shirt to earn. Keinan Davis as well, the performance he has put in has been excellent.”