Following a disappointing first season of second tier football in which his side limped to a mid-table finish, Steve Bruce appears to finally have found the right formula at Aston Villa, guiding his side to within touching distance of an automatic promotion spot.

The club have shown great resilience in recent weeks following injuries to key personnel, and the excellent atmosphere within the squad has certainly helped Bruce’s men rally together during a difficult run of games.

With the fixtures set to come thick and fast, Villa have it all to do if they are to be promoted to the Premier League, and that could begin with Bruce’s activity in the January transfer window.

Villa fans will hope to see several new faces in the new year, but what about the club’s fringe players, whose careers are entering a severe crossroads when the window opens for business.

Do they stay and fight for their place, or do they depart for pastures new?

This pair have a huge decision to make in the next month…

 

Tommy Elphick

Elphick’s decision should be pretty simple; he must leave Aston Villa in January.

Yet to make a single appearance in the league this season, it is clear that Elphick’s career in the West Midlands is over, and he must find a new club to ensure his career does not stagnate.

The 30-year-old still has a lot to offer, and some fans may be disappointed to see the player used so sparingly.

Chris Samba has filled the central defensive void in the absence of John Terry, and the fact Bruce overlooked him during this spell should provide Elphick with the answer to his future.

 

Henri Lansbury

Lansbury has failed to break into Bruce’s side on a regular basis this season, but could be back in contention following his equaliser at Leeds United.

The former Nottingham Forest and Arsenal man has made just three starts in the league this year and five appearances in total, and the 27-year-old will not be keen to waste away on the sidelines at Villa Park.

If Lansbury appears regularly over the next month, then he should perhaps consider staying at Villa to fight for a consistent role in the side.

If he chooses this route, it is highly likely he will play Premier League football next season.

However if opportunities become limited once more, then his future obviously lies away from the club.

Villa fans, would you like to keep the pair at the club? Have your say below...