It is remarkable to contrast the fortunes of Aston Villa under Roberto di Matteo compared to how they are currently faring under Steve Bruce.

Despite the wealth of talent that the Villains possess, Roberto di Matteo failed to inspire his side and managed just one win before he was sacked.

His replacement was former Hull City manager Steve Bruce and his instant impact has been astonishing.

He has instilled a newfound confidence in a previously downbeat and out of sorts team.

Bruce is still unbeaten as Aston Villa manager after four wins and three draws in his first seven games at the helm.

Aston Villa fans have rediscovered their optimism and the platform has been set for a belated surge up the league and a play-off push is now the very minimum requirement.

Steve Bruce might need to reshuffle his pack in January, though, to ensure Villa have the best chance of finishing in the top six and here are three optimistic players for him to target.

Wayne Hennessey

Steve Bruce is looking for a new goalkeeper to compete with Pierluigi Gollini as Aston Villa's number one stopper and Wayne Hennessey would be an ideal addition.

With Steve Mandanda now the permanent first choice at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace might sanction Hennessey's exit as they have Julian Speroni to deputise.

Aston Villa could offer Hennessey regular game time and the 29-year-old will want to be playing to retain his spot as Wales' number one.

Henri Lansbury

Henri Lansbury's contract with Nottingham Forest expires at the end of the season and he might be available on the cheap in January if Forest choose to sell rather than lose him for nothing in the summer.

The 26-year-old is a box-to-box central midfielder who possesses fantastic attacking talent but can also do the defensive work.

He has been Forest's top performer for a while now and would be an instant upgrade on Ashley Westwood in Villa's midfield.

James Collins

Aston Villa could do with another centre back because of Elphick's poor form and James Collins would slot right in.

The big centre half is an experienced defender who still does a job in the Premier League but finds himself behind Angelo Ogbonna, Winston Reid, Cheikhou Kouyate and maybe even Reece Oxford at West Ham.

The Wales international used to play for Aston Villa and might fancy a move back to B6, where he'd help shore up the Villains' defensive line.

 

Aston Villa fans - would you take any of these 3 players? Who do you want to see in January? Let us know in the comments below...