Speaking exclusively to This Is Futbol, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes Ollie Watkins and Keinan Davis could form a bright attack for the Villans.
Watkins is currently the first-choice N0.9 at Villa Park, which makes perfect sense given his goal record this season, meaning Davis has had to settle for a substitute role.
However, when the 23-year-old has come on, he has been able to make an impact, coming up with an assist in a recent 3-1 win against Fulham.
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And now Hendrie would like to see Watkins and Davis start together from the off as Villa look to find a winning formula that does not include Jack Grealish, who is still out injured.
On Dean Smith potentially starting with Watkins and Davis, Hendrie told TIF:
“I think it could work. I don’t see why he can’t try it. I think we’re in a situation now where I don’t think they’re going to qualify for Europe; it’s all about finishing as high up as possible, which is still very tight in that midsection.
“So, yeah, I mean, it’s certainly an option that you can look at. I do like the fact that Keinan holds the ball up well. I think it might work.”
The former Villa player concluded by saying:
“I don’t think it will happen. But it’d be great, it would be great to see.”
As Hendrie alluded to, with Villa not having much to lose, currently far from the relegation zone unlike last season, Smith certainly does have room to experiment.