Dean Smith faces a real challenge if he is going to turn around the fortunes of Aston Villa after taking over as manager last week. 

Steve Bruce was given the sack two weeks ago after throwing away a 2-0 lead at home to Preston North End to draw 3-3, with Smith leaving his role at Brentford to join the club.

A 2-1 loss to Millwall before the international break under youth coach Kevin MacDonald meant the Villains dropped down to 15th place in the table with just three wins from their opening 12 matches.

Ex-Villa defender John Terry also joined as a member of Smith's backroom staff along with longterm assistant head coach Richard O'Kelly.

Bruce's squad selections received a lot of criticism during his eleven matches in charge this season so it will be interesting to see who Smith opts for in his first starting XI against Swansea City on Saturday.

So, here are three changes we expect the new Villa man to make at the weekend...

Chester will undoubtedly return to the starting line-up.

The club captain missed the trip to Millwall after being sent off against Preston in the previous match and with the lack of options at the back, he is a must-start.

It will be interesting to see whether John Terry's presence on the coaching team can have an immediate effect on his performance as well.

The biggest name to arrive at the club was undoubtedly Yannick Bolasie.

The winger is Premier League quality and will be straight into Smith's starting XI to face the Swans and I expect the 29-year-old to be a massive part of his reign.

For much the same reasons as Bolasie, El Ghazi will start against the Swans.

Smith's biggest strength is the attacking football he plays so we expect him to go all out from the start.

El Ghazi has shone in flashes this season but Smith will get the best out of him.