Aston Villa have been in exhilarating form since Dean Smith took over at the helm of the club, scoring 14 goals in their last four games alone. 

Three wins and a draw in that spell have propelled the club well into the promotion race, as they now sit in eighth place and just three points outside the top-six.

Wednesday night saw one of the games of the season played out at Villa Park as Smith's side played out a 5-5 draw against fellow promotion hopefuls Nottingham Forest.

It was a real showcase of the attacking prowess available to the former Brentford boss and the way he has arranged them, with Tammy Abraham racking up four goals on his own.

But it also exposed the defensive frailties that remain at the club.

For sure, they will be looking to add to their defence where they can and it is quite possible two new faces could be in the side before too long.

Here, we look at a 2019 defence that could see them seal promotion...

Tom Heaton would obviously come straight into the side with the Express linking him with the club.

Orjan Nyland simply is not good enough and with the Burnley man already having two promotions from the division to his name he would be an ideal person to bring in.

As Smith is loyal to his 4-1-4-1 formation, that is likely how it shall remain.

Hutton will most likely continue on the right. The club could definitely do better than the experienced Scotsman, but at the moment he remains the man.

James Collins would most likely come in for the inexperienced Tuanzebe with him set to sign for Villa.

The club had a lot of success last season with the Chester and Terry partnership and they will be keen to recreate that with Collins in Terry's place.

Chester will obviously remain.

He is the club captain and, despite struggling earlier in the season alongside Mile Jedinak, remains their best and most consistent defender.

Taylor will most likely remain on the left.

The Welshman is a reliable presence, capable of helping out in an attacking capacity as well when needed.

He would be the final point of a fine Welsh trio.