Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Championship play-off final, Aston Villa vs Fulham - LIVE: Latest reaction from Wembley

All the latest from Wembley Stadium

Jack Watson
Saturday 26 May 2018 19:39 BST
Comments
Championship play-off final preview

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Aston Villa and Fulham meet in the richest game in English football.

Wolves and Cardiff have already earned their place back in the Premier League Promised Land and now one of Villa or Fulham will join them. The two meet at Wembley Stadum with everything on the line and a £170m+ prize for the victor.

The game kicks off at 5pm as a nice starter to the Champions League final main course a little later on this evening.

We will have all the latest updates for you right here.


Please allow a moment for the blog to load.

Preview

What time does it start?

The game kicks off at 5pm at Wembley Stadium

Where can I watch it?

The match is live on Sky Sports Football or Sky Sports Main Event

What are they saying?

Steve Bruce: "Expectation is huge here but that's why I went for experience. I've thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of my 19 months here. Can we now top it off by getting where we want to be?"

Slavisa Jokanovic: "We're the youngest team. We must try to dominate the situation and put them under stress. We're probably the team with more energy. Experience in life is important but it's not everything - all of us can make mistakes."

Who is going to win?

Villa 12/5

Draw 21/10

Fulham 7/5

​The fans are ready

Jack Watson26 May 2018 16:56

Prince William appears on the screen as Wembley rises for the National Anthem. Last weekend was a good one for the Duke of Cambridge, can Aston Villa better it with a win?

Jack Watson26 May 2018 16:58

We're off!

Anthony Taylor gets the richest game in football underway, Fulham kick off. 

Jack Watson26 May 2018 17:01

1: Mile Jedinak is having none of Fulham's possession play and leaves a foot in on Stefan Johansen. Anthony Taylor has a stern word...

Jack Watson26 May 2018 17:03

5: Fulham have settled into their usual tempo of controlling play. Aleksandar Mitrovic has had a few nibbles on the edge of the box but nothing too concrete yet. The tempo from both sides is incredibly high, surely it won't last.

Jack Watson26 May 2018 17:08

8: Aleksandar Mitrovic is on the receiving end of James Chester's late sliding tackle and Anthony Taylor produces the first yellow card of the game. Chester has to be careful for the next 80 minutes, at least. 

Jack Watson26 May 2018 17:10

Shad Khan, the Fulham owner, looks on at Wembley, which he plans to buy.

Jack Watson26 May 2018 17:14

14: Jack Grealish presses Marcus Betinelli and the Fulham goalkeeper plays the ball to Lewis Grabban just outside the box. The ball is worked to Robert Snodgrass who tries to find Albert Adomah but over-hits his pass and Betinelli apologises to his team.

That's the danger of Fulham's play from the back. Villa chose the right time to press and almost got their reward.

Jack Watson26 May 2018 17:17

16: Jack Grealish draws a foul from Tom Cairney in the middle of the pitch. Steve Bruce calls for a yellow card after James Chester's early booking, it seems Anthony Taylor has causes himself a few problems with that early yellow card. It was the right decision but every foul is greeted with calls for a card.

Jack Watson26 May 2018 17:19

19: Tim Ream and Lewis Grabban tussle for possession. It's tense and scrappy at Wembley. 

Jack Watson26 May 2018 17:20

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in