Aston Villa's poor run of form continued last night as a stoppage time Neal Maupay goal secured all three points for Brentford against former boss Dean Smith.

It means that Villa have picked up just 13 points from their last 12 games and it will be a major concern to all those connected to the club.

Despite that, the play-offs remain just about within reach, with sixth-placed Middlesbrough currently seven points ahead of Smith's men.

However, it's clear that if Villa's performances don't immediately improve drastically then they have no chance of returning to the Premier League in this campaign.

And, to do that, the manager surely has to consider making changes for Saturday's massive game against local rivals West Brom.

Here we look at TWO players who Smith has to consider replacing...

Conor Hourihane

The former Barnsley man scored 11 goals from midfield last season but has only managed four so far in this campaign, with his last strike coming on Boxing Day.

Without those goals, Hourihane's contribution is minimal, with the midfield struggling to keep the ball in the way that Smith's teams have done in the past.

Therefore, something needs to change, whether it's the formation or just bringing someone else in but either way Hourihane will be lucky if he doesn't miss out this weekend.

Albert Adomah

Another who is struggling to replicate his form from last season is Adomah.

He isn't providing Villa with a goal threat and he isn't getting involved in the games enough or running at defenders like he should be.

Andre Green would provide that energy and spark and he has to be pushing to start ahead of the ex-Boro man against the Baggies.