These are testing times for Aston Villa, who are currently preparing for a third consecutive year in the Sky Bet Championship under Steve Bruce

Failure to win last season’s play-off final has left Villa in a difficult financial situation, with sales expected in the coming weeks.

Bruce has admitted he could lose a number of last season’s key players, leaving him with a large rebuilding job ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

That rebuild is going to have to start at the back, with Sam Johnstone and John Terry, two of last season’s standout performers, no longer with the club.

There’s every chance James Chester could also depart, meaning we will see a very different defensive unit to the one that featured against Fulham in the play-off final.

With that in mind, we take a look at the defensive unit Bruce could potentially have built when Villa take on Hull on the opening weekend of the season…

Norris spent last season as Wolves’ second choice, with his first-team chance unlikely to come in the Premier League.

Villa should look to bring the impressive young goalkeeper in on-loan, similar to the deal they did with Sam Johnstone.

Bruce wants Tuanzebe back on board next season, after the Man United utility man spent time on-loan at Villa Park last season.

He has good versatility and would be a good addition to Bruce’s squad.

Huth is another player on Villa’s radar, as they look to replace Terry.

The ex-Chelsea and Leicester centre-back has a wealth of experience and would be a shrewd addition as a free agent.

Bruce cast Elphick aside last season, but with some big departures expected, he might have to turn to the centre-back next season.

At his best, Elphick could play a big role at Villa Park next season.

He has quality, he just hasn’t shown it during his time at Villa Park.

Hutton played his best football at left-back last season, solving a problem position for Bruce.

You’d expect to see the Scot line-up in a similar role next season.