Aston Villa have endured a tough start to the Championship season, with Dean Smith the man tasked with turning things around at Villa Park.

Smith has overseen four Championship fixtures, wining twice at Villa Park and losing twice on the road.

His Villa side will be looking for their first three points on the road this weekend when they face Derby County, who are rivalling Villa for the signature of Ethan Ampadu ahead of January.

According to the Birmingham Mail, Ampadu was on the radar of both Villa and Derby in the summer, with both still keen to bring the Chelsea talent on board.

The 18-year-old is capable of playing in defence or midfield and has also gained experience in the Welsh national side.

Another defender recently linked with a move to Villa Park is Yoann Barbet, with Smith clearly thinking there is a need for defensive reinforcements in the winter window.

With that in mind, here is a look at a new-look Villa defence we could see in January if Smith lands his targets…

Nyland isn’t convincing at all, but it isn’t clear if Villa are going to pursue an alternative in the New Year.

Hutton has been Villa’s right-back of choice this season despite the club’s number of options.

Expect him to continue under Smith.

Chester has had some struggles this season, but he’s a quality player.

Shifting to the right of the centre-backs could help him rediscover his best more consistently.

Whilst Axel Tuanzebe is improving, Ampadu is a better player, with better passing ability, which Smith will want from his defenders.

The time he has spent with Chester on the international scene could be crucial to their partnership.

Smith is looking to reunite with the Brentford defender in January.

Barbet would solve Villa’s ongoing problems at left-back and offer a balance to the team.

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