Aston Villa have been dealt a major injury blow heading into the festive set of fixtures as it was revealed in a recent press conference by Dean Smith, that Jack Grealish is ruled out of this weekend's game against Stoke City. 

Villa's talisman has shown signs of recapturing his best form since Dean Smith took charge at the club, so this latest news will come as a huge blow to their promotion bid heading into the New Year.

It leaves Dean Smith with a selection headache this weekend for their game against Gary Rowett's side who will be looking to justify their own promotion credentials after a disappointing start to this years campaign.

Anwar El Ghazi will surely be a certain starter against the Potters this weekend after putting in an impressive display against local rivals, West Brom, where the winger netted a brace to secure a point for Dean Smith's side.

But how can we expect Villa's attacking three to line-up behind Tammy Abraham this weekend without Grealish?

Find out here....

El Ghazi has shown promising signs for Dean Smith's side in recent weeks, and was easily their brightest spark going forward against West Brom last week.

The winger netted a brace, including a stunning strike to send the Villa supporters into jubilant scenes.

This performance will give him confidence, and that's exactly what he needs going forward for the rest of the season and he will be hoping to continue his good run of form this weekend.

Hourihane has looked more settled in the centre of the midfield alongside John McGinn, but could be pushed further forward to fill the void left by Grealish.

Hourihane has made 13 starts this season for Villa and with six assists and two goals to his name already, he will provide Tammy Abraham with the creativity from midfield to supply him with goals.

Bolasie is an exciting talent that Aston Villa fans are yet to see the best of.

He is still evidently not quite up to full fitness, but has shown glimpses of his quality in recent appearances for Dean Smith's side.

If anyone can get the best out of the on-loan Everton winger, then Dean Smith is that man.