Lewis Grabban: Aston Villa ready to embrace Wembley pressure

The 30-year-old striker is poised to lead the line for Steve Bruce’s team when they take on Fulham for a place in the Premier League and a potential £132million windfall.

Grabban, who has netted eight times since joining on loan from Bournemouth in January, is targeting a third promotion through the play-offs following previous successes with Millwall and Norwich. Almost every other member of Villa’s starting XI has previously tasted victory at Wembley and Grabban believes the experience could be a key factor against the Cottagers.

“The team itself has so many players who have played at Wembley – whether it be for their country, club or in the play-offs,” he said.

“I know that the occasion won’t get to the majority of the lads. We’ll be fine, we’ll get through it.

“Everyone will have some sense of nervousness before the game. That will quickly be put aside, though, and then it’s about the game.”

Fulham, who finished six points ahead of Villa in the Championship table in third, have been installed as favourites with the bookmakers.

Grabban understands why Bruce’s men might be viewed as underdogs but believes they can use it to their advantage.

He said: “I think we are considered the underdogs. You could take that route of thinking that way. Fulham have done well, but we have done well too.

“If we are the underdogs then it’s probably a bonus for us because it means less pressure. But I don’t feel like an underdog. I don’t think many in our dressing room do either.

“I think when you have a team that plays nice football and move the ball well, people are attracted to it. But I think we’re quite versatile. We can do that but we can also do the ugly stuff as well.”