Aston Villa currently reside in seventh spot in the Sky Bet Championship table after a mixed start to the season.

A recent resurgence in form was halted last Saturday as they were downed 2-0 by local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

Steve Bruce's static 4-4-2 system could not handle Wolves' free-flowing, attacking brand of football.

Does Bruce need to bolster his squad in January? If so, what positions need strengthening?

The writers here at FLW have their say.....

Chris Gallagher

January could be so important for Villa.

Defeat against Wolves proved they are short in certain areas. Firstly, they need natural cover for Neil Taylor at left-back, something which should've been addressed in the summer.

Also, a striker is strongly needed. Preferably a player who can drop off and link-up play in the final third, because Villa looked very poor in that regard on Saturday.

George Dagless

A new striker is a must.

Villa have Jonathan Kodjia and Keinan Davis - as well as Scott Hogan - but at the moment only Kodjia can really be relied on for goals regularly.

The Villans need another forward to help share the load and give them an attack up there with the likes of Wolves'.

A new right-back could be something to pursue too.

Alfie Burns

It’s hard to judge whether throwing money at their squad will help improve Villa’s chance of a title challenge.

Steve Bruce has one of the Championship’s most competitive squads, but despite a recent upturn in results, they continue to perform below par.

A central defender or a physical presence in midfield looks to be what Villa need, and cover for Neil Taylor at left-back is a must.