Aston Villa had a surprisingly slow start to the season considering the talent they have at their disposal.

With the likes of free scoring Jonathan Kodjia, creative midfielder Jack Grealish, defensive midfield enforcer Mile Jedinak and top class defenders James Chester and Jordan Amavi in their squad, people were tipping Villa for a genuine promotion push.

Roberto di Matteo, however, failed to galvanise his squad and the Villains were floating around in the bottom half of the table when he was sacked, with just 1 win in 11 games during his time at the helm.

In came Steve Bruce and an immediate resurgence followed.

Aston Villa have had a good January transfer window so far, bringing in James Bree, Henri Lansbury, Birkir Bjarnason and Sam Johnstone, but there is still much work to be done if they are to reach a play-off spot now.

Villa have a large squad so here are 2 players that Bruce needs to axe to trim it down.

Libor Kozak

Things haven't worked out for Libor Kozak in England.

The Czech Republic international striker has not had the playing time he would have liked in the West Midlands and he has been alright but not great when he has played.

With 20 league appearances in 3 and a half years, perhaps it is time for Kozak to move on.

Ashley Westwood

Aston Villa fans are running out of patience with Ashley Westwood.

With the arrivals of central midfield trio Henri Lansbury, Birkir Bjarnason and Conor Hourihane, as well as already having Mile Jedinak, Aaron Tshibola and Gary Gardner on their books, Aston Villa might choose to get rid.

Westwood would do a job in midfield for most Championship clubs but it is time Villa parted ways.

Aston Villa fans - what do you think? Would you sell these 2? Let us know in the comments below...