OPINION
It is fair to say that Aston Villa’s season has not gone as planned and they are now fighting to regain some pride rather than to secure a top six finish come the end of the campaign.
The Villans’ draw against Stoke City last weekend leaves them eight points off the play off spots and while it seems an achievable task, the performances from Dean Smith’s side have not been up to the standard expected by either the manager or the fans.
There have been a number of issues to contend with during the season but perhaps none more so than Jack Grealish’s absence, the midfield maestro without a doubt their most influential player when playing and the biggest miss when on the sidelines.
Having been out for a significant period of time, it is no coincidence the club’s form has dipped quite dramatically during his layoff – but it seems as though Smith will finally be welcoming his star man back into the fold against Derby County this weekend.
Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Smith revealed Grealish is ready behind-the-scenes to make an impact, saying: “Whether he starts or not we’ll wait and see. He’s worked really hard to get himself into contention and has trained well.
“It’s been well-documented results-wise that we haven’t been as good without Jack.”
Obviously throwing him in the deep end would be a huge gamble after his lengthy spell out but the fact of the matter is that he transforms the team and it is a no brainer not only to put him in but to swing the axe on Jonathan Kodjia at the same time.
The 6’2″ (source: Transfermarkt) Ivory Coast international has not been at the races of late – the 29-year-old without a Championship goal since December despite missing just two league games – and dropping him to the bench in place of Grealish would bring the connection between the midfield at attack that has been desperately lacking.
Derby are a hit and miss side and victory over the Rams would not only be a huge confidence boost to Villa but also reignite what small hope of a playoff push remains, Frank Lampard’s side sitting seventh.
If the Villans want a shot at glory, Grealish has to return as soon as possible – Kodjia should make way willingly.