We are entering the business end of the 2017/18 campaign, with the race for promotion in the Sky Bet Championship gathering pace ahead of the final nine fixtures.

Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa side are one team well in the hunt for promotion this season, currently sitting third in the table.

Last night’s 3-1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers has left Villa with a huge task if they are to secure automatic promotion, with Bruce’s side now trailing Cardiff City by seven points.

However, Villa are still looking good for at least a play-off spot, which is hugely encouraging, particularly after the club’s struggles last season in the Championship.

There have been some impressive individual efforts at Villa Park this season to drag Villa into promotion contention, but equally, there have been players who have really not performed well.

Here at FLW, we take a look at THREE of Villa’s most disappointing performers…

Lansbury arrived at Villa Park from Nottingham Forest in January 2017, and after a slow start to life with Villa, many expected him to impress this season.

However, that hasn’t been the case, with the midfielder unable to work his way into Bruce’s starting XI on a regular basis.

The 27-year-old has just one Championship goal to his name.

Taylor is a hugely experienced left-back, but Bruce has not favoured the Welshman this season.

Alan Hutton, naturally a right-back, has featured on the left of defence during Villa’s best spells this season, with Taylor cutting a frustrated figure on the bench.

Onomah arrived at Villa Park on-loan from Tottenham Hotspur, bringing a huge reputation to the Championship with him.

The youngster has disappointed in claret and blue this season, with Villa’s fans quick to criticise the 20-year-old.

Bruce will have expected more from one of English football’s best young talents.