Aston Villa are starting to build momentum under new manager Dean Smith, as they head into the busy Christmas period looking to put some pressure on the Championship promotion pacesetters.

Villa have already seen off Middlesbrough and with matches against West Brom, Stoke City, Leeds United, Swansea City and Preston still to come, fans will have a good idea of where their side could end up come January, by the time they welcome in the New Year.

But how crucial is the Christmas period for Aston Villa?

We discuss.....

George Harbey

It’s absolutely huge for Villa.

The game against Leeds two days before Christmas will be a huge test of where they are at, as well as a trip to Swansea too on Boxing Day.

This is make or break.

Jacob Potter

If they can continue their good run, it will be interesting by the New Year.

Villa are the in-form team in the Championship at the moment and Dean Smith is slowly finding his feet at his boyhood club and his impact on the side is evident.

Their charge up the table is showing no signs of slowing and they will be confident of building on some positive results heading into the festive period.

Louie Chandler

It is huge.

West Brom, Leeds and Stoke represent huge tests for Dean Smith's side and if they can claim a decent points haul they will have to be considered challengers.

Wins against Birmingham and Middlesbrough have already shown how good they can be.