It's been a good start to the season for Aston Villa with them just outside of the top six as we head into a hectic period after the international games.

The men from Villa Park perhaps got off to a sluggish start but they are looking strong now and you can see there is a really strong spine to the side - something that is key in the Championship.

The new signings seem to have gelled nicely in the main and that confidence and knowledge of how to win games regardless of playing poorly or well is back in the side, meaning they should only climb the table.

Fans, then, must be thinking that a Premier League return is on the card and when you look at the five-a-side team Villa could have, and think about who's missed out, you can see why they're confident.

Here, then, is the strongest Villa five-a-side team that could be put together...

GK: Sam Johnstone

Johnstone is easily Villa's best goalkeeper right now and will surely get in this five-a-side team.

He certainly looks as though he could be a goalkeeper in the Premier League with him very consistent between the sticks and a real commanding presence. With that in mind, then, Villa fans will be hoping that they can keep a hold of him for their hopeful return to the top flight.

CB: James Chester

This may come as a surprise given that John Terry plays alongside Chester in defence and is the Villa captain.

However, the Welsh centre-half is probably better suited to a five-a-side game with the amount of high intensity movement that happens in the shorter version of the game. He's more mobile than the veteran Terry and a capable defender so we'd expect him to play.

CM: Conor Hourihane

Arguably Villa's best player this season so far, the Irish midfielder simply has to be in the side to try and control the tempo of what would be a fast game.

He's got great technique on the ball and always puts a shift in, making him the ideal star for a five-a-side match. We'd have him on set-pieces with that in mind, then, but he'd have it tougher in those smaller goals.

CM: Jack Grealish

Grealish is injured at the moment, of course, but if fit he is still one of Villa's best players and one of their most talented.

He should be in the Premier League with the amount of talent he has but he does need to get his head down and work on that potential even more. He gets in our five-a-side team, though, and would surely help unlock even the most stubborn of defences.

ST: Jonathan Kodjia

Keinan Davis has played well this season but there can only be one man to lead the line in this format, Jonathan Kodjia.

It's no surprise that Villa's form has improved with his return to the side this season and, according to transfermarkt he is valued at £9 million - which in five-a-side terms is some fee. We think he'd score a hat-full with the amount of pace and strength he has to offer.