OPINION
After an unbeaten start to the season had seen Aston Villa push themselves into a top six spot and into the third round of the League Cup, things have come crashing down around Steve Bruce and his men.
A 1-0 loss to League One side Burton Albion knocked them out of the cup before a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Sheffield United left them sitting slap bang in the middle of the Championship heading into the international break, with two wins, three draws and the defeat to the Blades.
So what does Bruce need to address as he and his side take an enforced two week break from action?
This is Futbol has rounded up three things the Villans need to do:
Figure out their best centre backs
As Tommy Elphick was allowed to depart from Villa Park for Hull City in a last minute loan deal at the end of the window, the fans would have been left feeling a little worried about how thin they look at the back.
Their fears manifested themselves against Sheffield United, as Bruce’s continued experiment of using Mile Jedinak as a centre back failed to pay off, the Blades cutting through the back line like a hot knife through butter.
Rotation at the heart of the defence has been a regular feature of the Villa side this season but Bruce needs to bring in some consistency in finding his best pairing at the back.
Decide if Bruce is the right man to lead them forward
While those on the pitch are coming under fire for the last result before the break, the man in the dugout has not escaped the ire of the Villa faithful.
Bruce stayed on despite the new owners coming in, but will the top brass be regretting their decision?
Things have not gone as planned so far and the defeat to Burton and Sheffield United should have alarm bells ringing.
A decision needs to be made about the long term future of Bruce and Villa together, and they might need to start shortlisting alternatives in case the axe needs to be dropped.
Get rid of Richards and McCormack
Two men who are recognisable names among the Villa squad but have been outcast from the first team setup are striker Ross McCormack and defender Micah Richards.
Despite both having failed to feature any time recently, they still remain on the club’s books after the end of the transfer and loan windows – but enough is enough.
They obviously have no part to play in the club’s future and with the Scot on a reported £40,000-a-week (Source: Mirror) and the former England international on £35,ooo-a-week (Source: Birmingham Mail), they are draining the Villans of £75,000-a-week.
They are a waste of space and money and must be binned immediately – it is simply in the best interests for everyone.