So much has happened with Aston Villa since the opening day of the season when they travelled up to Yorkshire to play Sheffield Wednesday on their maiden voyage of their first campaign in the Championship.
Few could have imagined the lowly position Villa would find themselves in the next time the two would be meeting as the Owls gear up for their trip to the Midlands later today, with Steve Bruce’s side flirting with the bottom three only recently. While things have improved of late, Wednesday’s position in the top six is far beyond Villa this season, so it’s vital they continue to find the sort of momentum that can stand them in good stead for next term.
Their clash with Wednesday will do little to affect their fortunes in the short-term, though is a great indicator as to where the quality of their squad stands. With that in mind, here are three players with the biggest point to prove.
James Bree
One of many January arrivals at Villa Park, former Barnsley defender James Bree has found it difficult to command a starting berth in Steve Bruce’s side thus far. The 19-year-old can be an exciting option over Alan Hutton for years to come in the right-back berth, though needs to prove he can do it for them on the big stage.
Determined to keep his spot, the teenager will be tested both going forward and back against an Owls side full of attacking enterprise.
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy
Jonathan Kodjia is often isolated in the Villa attack and an injury to Scott Hogan has afforded promising youngster Rushian Hepburn-Murphy more of a clear path into the first-team as things stand.
Looking like an absolute gem, the teenage forward getting more game time now until the end of the season could really help his long-term development.
Henri Lansbury
Brought into the club as a goalscoring midfielder, the former Nottingham Forest has only added an own goal to his tally for the season thus far. As previously mentioned, Villa’s central striker is a tad too isolated at times, so the 26-year-old really needs to push on and get into the final third.
A goalscoring midfielder is a luxury in the Championship and can be a huge plus for next season, so getting Lansbury in the goals ASAP must be a priority for Villa.
