Aston Villa got off to a disastrous start to the season, which ultimately ended up with Roberto di Matteo losing his job, with Villa sitting perilously close to the bottom three.

Since the arrival of Steve Bruce, Villa have had a change in fortunes, going unbeaten in his five games in charge, which has seen them climb the table to within touching distance of the Play-Offs.

The club recruited well in the summer, signing numerous players from the Premier League, which highlights the stature of Aston Villa as a club and how easy it is for them to attract players.

Not that their recent Chinese takeover didn't help, of course.

Their summer recruitment has given them arguably the best squad in the league, which will set them up well in the second half of the season when they are pushing for promotion.

In comparison to a lot of the other Play-Off contenders, Villa's squad is far superior, which should give them the edge over their rivals in the run-in.

Here, we will look at 3 players who will be key if Aston Villa are to reach the Play-Offs...

Jonathan Kodjia

Kodjia arrived at Villa Park in the summer from Bristol City in chat was a Championship record fee, but he has more than lived up to the price tag so far.

He has five goals in as many games under Steve Bruce as he looks to be rediscovering his form of last season. The striker possesses great pace and he utilises this to run in behind defences, something which defenders hate.

Kodjia will be key for Villa this season, he could be the man to score them the goals that will fire them up the table.

Jordan Amavi

Amavi was enjoying a great spell at the start of last season, before he sustained a nasty injury which ruled him out for the rest of the season, in what was a huge loss for Villa.

He has since rediscovered his form this season and he will be key for Villa this season. Amavi provides Villa with an outlet down the left, as he bombs up and down the line all game.

The Frenchman could be vital for Villa this season, if he can provide some quality crosses into the box from left back, then he could create many goals for Villa this season.

Albert Adomah

Adomah was one of many summer signings for Villa who took the step down from the Premier League. He had only just been promoted out of the Championship with Middlesbrough, though decided to step back down.

He's since made the position on the wing his own under Steve Bruce, producing some impressive performances so far. He's a wonderfully direct player and loves to run at full backs, causing all sorts of problems.

Adomah will be key for Villa this season, he offers defensive solidity in front of his full-back, whilst possessing lethal attacking threat to supply the strikers.