Aston Villa will be looking for a fourth victory under Dean Smith on Sunday when they face Birmingham City in the first Second City derby of the Championship season.  

Smith has arrived at Villa Park and had an immediate impact, with Villa’s style of play drastically improving.

That’s brought nine points from a possible 15, with Villa looking up the table.

Of course, when any new manager comes in, it takes time for him to find his favoured XI, with Smith still taking a close look at his squad.

It does seem that Smith will use the bulk of the players Steve Bruce favoured, with the same faces still on the fringe at Villa Park.

With that in mind, we identify THREE players who would benefit from a loan move away from the club when the January transfer window comes around…

Lansbury’s Villa Park nightmare needs to end in January.

Whether it is a permanent move or a loan, the midfielder needs to get out of Villa Park.

It’s been a difficult spell for Lansbury, who needs to reignite his career.

Bree is well down the pecking order.

Smith has a number of options at right-back and it doesn’t look like Bree’s chance will come.

Like Lansbury, his career has stalled at Villa Park and he needs to be playing in the New Year.

There are high hopes for O’Hare, who will be in the first-team in the coming years.

However, with John McGinn and Jack Grealish around, it’s unlikely he will get a chance this season.

First-team football is needed, which O’Hare would get in the lower leagues.

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