It has been a frustrating week for Aston Villa, who have fallen out of the Sky Bet Championship’s automatic promotion places.

Steve Bruce’s side have failed to win either of their fixtures this week, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Fulham last Saturday, before they were held to a 1-1 draw by Preston North End at Villa Park on Tuesday.

Injuries are mounting against Bruce at Villa Park, with Jack Grealish and Albert Adomah still on the sidelines ahead of this weekend’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

Bruce is looking to guide his side back to winning ways in South Yorkshire this weekend, with Villa entering the fixture four points adrift of Cardiff City, who have stolen a lead in the race for the second automatic promotion spot.

Villa are still hindered by injuries this weekend, and here at FLW, we take a look at the starting XI we believe Bruce should select…

Johnstone has been terrific for Villa this season, and despite an error against Preston on Tuesday, it would be a surprise to see him not starting.

With no Axel Tuanzebe and Ahmed Elmohamady struggling, Hutton could switch back to his more natural position.

One area Villa can’t afford any injuries is central defence, where James Chester has been magnificent so far this season.

Like Chester, Terry has been superb this season and will be expected to continue.

Taylor has been left out recently with Hutton covering at left-back, however, with Villa’s squad stretched, the Welshman could return.

£4.5m-rated Taylor will bring some natural balance to the back-four.

There will be temptation to move away from a 4-1-4-1 formation, but Bruce should keep faith with the system that delivered so many positive results.

Bjarnason should return to the base of midfield.

If Snodgrass has shaken off his illness, then he must continue on the right.

Without Grealish and Adomah, there is so much pressure on the Scot.

Hourihane has struggled in recent weeks, and whilst the likes of Henri Lansbury are pushing his place in the side, Bruce should keep faith with the midfielder.

The 19-year-old is knocking on the door of the first-team, and Bruce would be applauded for a brave selection this weekend.

With Grealish out injured, O’Hare is a natural replacement in a central area.

Onomah has had his fair share of criticism in recent weeks, but with Adomah still struggling, Bruce is short of options on the left.

Lewis Grabban is a doubt, meaning Bruce might be forced to keep faith with Hogan, who could do with a goal.