Following a difficult start to the season, Aston Villa have entered an exceptional run of form, climbing up the Championship table to emerge as clear promotion contenders.

Steve Bruce is looking to guide his side back to the Premier League following their relegation from the top-flight in 2016, and on current form Villa have to be considered favourites behind leaders, Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Bruce has been rocked by injuries in recent weeks, with John Terry and Jonathan Kodjia ruled out for extended spells, and could look to the January transfer window to bolster his squad ahead of a final push for the top-two.

Villa have a finely balanced squad, with an excellent blend of experience and youth driving the team forward, but a couple more weathered faces would not go amiss in the coming months.

Bruce’s budget will be limited in January, but he should look to tie up deals for these two experienced pros…

Scott Arfield

With the 29-year-old Canadian’s contract set to expire in the summer, Bruce may consider a low-cost January swoop for the player, who has struggled for minutes at Burnley this season.

Starting just six of the Clarets Premier League games this term and with the prospect of a new deal nowhere to be seen, Arfield may consider a switch to Birmingham in January should Bruce put in a firm bid for the player.

Manager Sean Dyche may be keen to keep Arfield until the end of the season, as the Scottish-born man is an excellent squad player, but could be tempted to sell up if the right offer came in.

Arfield is an exceptional player with the ability to pull the strings from midfield, and also possesses a keen eye for goal, an element to his game that will strongly appeal to Bruce.

Pull this off, and Villa will surely be promoted this season.

Glen Johnson

Could John Terry’s former England and Chelsea teammate be tempted to join him at Aston Villa?

The 33-year-old has found opportunities at Stoke City extremely limited this season, appearing in just three of the Potters Premier League games this season.

A long way down the pecking order, Johnson is approaching the end of his career and the end of his contract at The Bet365 Stadium, so could be tempted to accept a drop in pay to secure regular minutes in the Championship.

Stoke would perhaps be willing to allow him to leave for free due to his expiring deal and lack of impact on first team affairs, and Bruce may decide an 18-month deal for the player could work for his side.

Johnson would certainly do a job in this Villa side, and his experience could be essential in Villa securing promotion.

Villa fans, where must Bruce look to improve in January? Have your say below...