Aston Villa’s form has improved since Dean Smith’s appointment, with the former Brentford boss looking to get his new side back into the race for promotion.

Smith has overseen five fixtures so far, picking up nine points along the way.

Victories over Swansea and Bolton at Villa Park were a sign that Villa’s home form was improving again, but defeats to Norwich and QPR on the road left some concerned.

However, a 3-0 victory over Derby County was a major step in the right direction, with Villa making a real statement.

Smith has a settled line-up, which could take Villa a long way now.

The Championship season is a gruelling one, though, and over the course of the season, Smith will have to turn to Villa’s fringe players.

Here, we take a look at TWO players who could have a real impact during the second-half of the season…

Tammy Abraham and Jonathan Kodjia are the leading men at Villa Park, but Hogan is a player that Smith knows well.

Hogan hasn’t impressed at Villa Park, but his former Brentford boss could help him get back to his best.

If he works hard in training, a chance will come his way this season.

There was plenty of excitement surrounding El Ghazi’s arrival, but he’s disappointed so far this season.

Some players take longer than others to adapt to the Championship, but El Ghazi’s time will come.

If he’s adapted by 2019, he will be a dangerous weapon for Villa.

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