Bruce’s starting XI: How thrilling Aston Villa side will look with seven new boys
COMMENT by Amir Mir
Aston Villa could field seven January signings when they take on Nottingham Forest on February 4 in a Championship clash.
This would see a dramatic change from a team that had been under-performing for a good part of six months, to a side that is now looking like a revamped promotion-chasing outfit.
Villa have already confirmed five signings this month including midfield trio Henri Lansbury, Conor Hourihane and Birkir Bjarnason.
They are followed by right-back James Bree and on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
However, what would make this team even more thrilling is the additions of Swansea left-back Neil Taylor and Brentford striker Scott Hogan – both are close to sealing a switch to Villa Park.
Steve Bruce would more than likely have to field a 4-4-2 formation which would see a number of big name players miss out on a starting spot.
Hogan should line up against Villa’s star striker Jonathan Kodjia with the duo boasting 23 Championship goals between them this season.
Versatile midfielder Bjarnason would start on the left-hand side of attack, with the ever-reliable Albert Adomah occupying the left-wing – fan favourite Jack Grealish misses out.
Bruce’s midfield would see the dramatic change that supporters were craving for with goals and assists added to the middle of the park.
Duo Hourihane and Lansbury have 27 goals and assists between them this term, a stark change to the previous midfield of Gary Gardner, Ashley Westwood, Mile Jedinak and Aaron Tshibola.
In defence, left-back Taylor would push out the ever improving Jordan Amavi, who would now have the competition for a first-team spot.
James Chester would continue his partnership with Nathan Baker at the heart of the club’s defence, with youngster Bree starting ahead of the experienced Alan Hutton at right-back.
On-loan United keeper Johnstone would complete the side as he starts between the sticks to form a team that is now looking likely to finishing in the top six, despite being nine points behind.
In other Aston Villa transfer news, this is what Scott Hogan had to say about the club at the start of the season.
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