Aston Villa are on the testing run, with Dean Smith’s side winning just twice in their last 14 fixtures.  

As expected, that’s dampened the mood around Villa Park after Smith helped to pick things up following his arrival at B6.

And, the play-offs are looking a big task too, with Villa now needing to make up significant ground following their 2-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Things were made worse by John McGinn’s 10^th yellow card of the season, with the Scot now set to miss Villa’s next two fixtures through suspension.

McGinn, 24, will miss Saturday’s trip to Stoke City and the visit of Derby County the following weekend.

On the face of things that’s huge blow for Smith and Villa, and here, we take a look at THREE impacts that absence will have on the side…

Another midfield reshuffle

The absence of Jack Grealish in recent months has meant Villa haven’t had a settled midfield in recent weeks.

McGinn and Conor Hourihane were consistent, but who joined them often changed.

Now, with McGinn out and Grealish edging his way back into contention, Smith will have to shuffle his pack yet again, which is frustrating.

A loss of drive

Maybe behind Tammy Abraham, McGinn has been Villa’s best player this season, providing real drive from midfield.

Hourihane doesn’t bring that drive, whilst Smith’s other options without Grealish are far more defensive.

McGinn’s absence means there’s a lack of drive in the Villa engine room.

A chance for a youngster

Jacob Ramsey stepped off the bench against West Brom on Saturday and this might open the door for him to earn a chance.

Smith has experienced options and Grealish returning, but there’s a sense of desperation about Villa’s season now and it makes sense to try something different.

A youngster could help lift the mood around a souring Villa Park.