Conor Hourihane: Aston Villa have unfinished business with West Brom

Dean Smith’s men took just one point from their two league fixtures with the Baggies and were comfortably beaten 2-0 on their own patch back in February.

But midfield ace Hourihane has warned Villa are now a very different proposition, having charged into the play-offs courtesy of a 12-match unbeaten run which only came to an end with Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Norwich.

The rivals meet for a first leg clash on Saturday at Villa Park and Hourihane said: “We are a different team to the one which lost at home in February. We play some very good stuff and have some good players in our team.

“We feel we are a strong starting XI and bench. There are people fighting for places, left right and centre.

“Everyone is being kept on their toes. That only brings a good mentality to the side. We are different proposition now.”

Hourihane is braced for a tough test against the Baggies, who finished fourth in the table, one spot higher in the table.

Villa were held to a controversial 2-2 draw at The Hawthorns back in December, when Jay Rodriguez netted a stoppage time equaliser using his hand.

Hourihane continued: “It is going to be very tough. West Brom are a good side and we have not beaten them this is season yet.

“We drew at their place, unfairly in my point of view with the handball and they beat us at home. We have unfinished business and hopefully we come out with the right result.

“It is going to be a fantastic occasion. The home game, this place will be absolutely buzzing and it will be a great occasion. Hopefully we come out of it the better side over two legs.”