Championship promotion favourites Aston Villa have a long season ahead of them as they aim to bounce straight back into the Premier League.

Many football fans and Villa supporters have tipped them to do it at the first attempt but from what we've seen so far, it might be more difficult for them than originally thought.

They lost their opening day tie at Hillsborough to Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 before turning over a poor Rotherham United 3-0 at Villa park last Saturday. So a game of two stories really, but Roberto Di Matteo would have been happier with the latter, rather than the former.

With the summer transfer window edging closer to its end and plenty of players coming into Villa Park, there are some supporters who feel that certain individuals should be given the boot by Roberto Di Matteo, especially after last season's showing.

So with that in mind, here's THREE Aston Villa players that deserve to be axed this summer....

Joleon Lescott

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Probably the ring-leader of everything that went wrong last season, Joleon Lescott deserves to be axed more than any other player.

The former West Brom man was the instigator behind "that pocket tweet" and his off-the-field controversies didn't help things on it, as the Villa Park crowd began to turn on their stars.

He has plenty of experience at this level but wasn't interested in the slightest. Get rid.

Gabby Agbonlahor

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He's been at Villa Park for over eleven years now but unfortunately for former captain Gabby Agbonlahor, his time has come to an end.

New manager Roberto Di Matteo's summer transfer activity has completely put a stop to his career and there is no way he is going to oust someone like Ross McCormack from the side now.

A good servant and a willing performer at times, but time has run out for Gabby.

Nathan Baker

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Baker will quite simply be another victim of the Roberto Di Matteo re-building that has started this summer and that will no-doubt continue in January.

The Worcester-born man has done a decent job when called upon, but has struggled to hold down a first-team berth for a couple of years now. Decent at this level, but his career lies further down the Football League.

With players like Chester, Elphick and Richards ahead of him, his Villa career is over.

Villa fans, do you agree with this? Let us know in the comments!