Aston Villa travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday evening, as they look to fire themselves back into play-off contention.

Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford left Steve Bruce’s side 14th in the Sky Bet Championship.

Villa trail the play-offs by ten-points now and need to pick up points quickly if they are to have any chance of promotion.

Conor Hourihane and Birkir Bjarnason made their Villa debuts against the Bees, but failed to make an impact.

The Midlands outfit will be looking to pick up three points against Gary Brazil's side, to help start a late push for the coveted top six in the Sky Bet Championship.

Bruce was again busy on deadline-day bringing Neil Taylor and Scott Hogan to the club.

With both players are available for Saturday’s game, here is how Villa could line up against Forest....

 

GK: Sam Johnstone

 Since his arrival from Manchester United at the start of the month, Johnstone has been a regular fixture in Bruce’s side.

He has been preferred to Mark Bunn and Pierluigi Gollini, the latter having joined Italian side Atalanta.

 

RB: James Bree

 

The 19-year old joined the club from Barnsley earlier this month, but has not featured for Villa yet.

He was an unused substitute against Brentford, but should come into the side to replace Alan Hutton.

CB: James Chester

 

Chester has captained Villa recently and has made 27 appearances in the league this season.

The former West Brom defender has only missed one league game this term.

 

CB: Nathan Baker

 

Baker has been preferred to Tommy Elphick by Bruce. Despite a poor performance against Brentford, a consistent line-up, particularly in defence, will be key to Villa turning around their season.

 

LB: Neil Taylor

 

Taylor is vastly experienced, having played in both the Championship and Premier League for Swansea.

His arrival on deadline-day gives Bruce options at left-back. His experience may see him play ahead of Jordan Amavi.

CDM: Conor Hourihane

 

The former Barnsley captain made his debut against Brentford.

Despite not putting in a trademark performance, he has shown his class over the season, scoring six-goals at Barnsley.

Hourihane deserves time to settle into Bruce’s new look side.

CDM: Henri Lansbury

Another January signing, Lansbury has a wealth of experience in the Championship.

Bruce will be looking for Lansbury and Hourihane to strike up an understanding in the middle of midfield.

RW: Albert Adomah

 

Adomah knows the Championship well, having helped Middlesbrough to promotion last season.

The winger has three-goals this season and his pace is a big outlet for Steve Bruce’s side.

CAM: Jack Grealish

 Grealish has been in and out of the Villa side all season.

The midfielder has bags of potential, but has occasionally let Villa down this term.

Playing ahead of Lansbury and Hourihane will allow Grealish to express himself.

Villa need his craft on the ball to excel in the final third.

LW: Jonathan Kodjia

 

Kodjia is Villa’s top scorer this season with nine goals, and has recently returned from the African Cup of Nations.

With the recent signing of Scott Hogan, Kodjia may be used in a wide role, similarly to when Rudy Gestede was at the club.

ST: Scott Hogan

Bruce brought in Hogan for big money on deadline-day.

It is hard to not see the striker featuring on Saturday.

Hogan has 14-goals this season from his time at Brentford and will help carry the goal threat along with Kodjia.