Playmaker could be key in Play-Off Final

Aston Villa and Fulham face each other in the Play-Off Final on Saturday, a match that offers the biggest financial prize in football.

Whoever wins at Wembley will compete in the Premier League next year, which means they can expect over £150m to pour into the club’s coffers.

Fulham are 13/10 favourites to go up. They’ll be looking to club captain Tom Cairney to pull the strings in midfield. Can he handle the pressure?

Central figure

Slavisa Jokanovic has made Cairney central, literally and figuratively, to Fulham’s attacking play. After spending much of his early career out wide, he now runs games from the middle of the park.

He’s a major factor in the West London club arguably being the best side to watch in the second tier.

Stats show he’s the most accurate passer in the Championship and played the most passes in the opposition half as well. The 27-year-old creates plenty of chances and he poses a real threat from long range too.

Ready to make the step up

His form hasn’t gone unnoticed by top-flight clubs either – West Ham United had two bids rejected for him in January.

Fulham could have cashed in on the Scotland international, but their decision to keep hold of him could really pay off now.

Even on a huge stage against Villa, Cairney will look to spray the ball around and take control of the game.