Aston Villa have got their season back on track since Steve Bruce took over, with the experienced boss remaining undefeated in his first six games in charge and bolstering the Villains' hopes of an immediate return to the Premier League.

The fierce battle going on in the promotion race in the Championship makes it difficult for Villa to emerge through successful and, sat six points behind the top-six, Villa are playing catch-up to their rivals and face a stern test ahead.

Naturally, that makes the January transfer window extremely crucial for Bruce and his side so he needs to be spot-on with the transfer decisions he makes - both in regards to signing new players and axing some deadwood.

It's not going to be easy but there's plenty of quality out there and Villa should move to get these two quality players through the doors to bolster their promotion charge, whilst wielding the axe over two declining veterans.

IN: Abel Hernandez

The Hull City striker has publicly declared his desire to move to Aston Villa and reunite with former manager Steve Bruce at Villa Park, so it makes perfect sense for the club to prioritise this signing to ensure it is completed early.

26-year-old Uruguayan international Hernandez has an abundance of experience in English football, having spent two successful years with Hull.

When the Tigers were in the Championship last year, he ended up winning Player of the Year and Player's Player of the Year.

Since Bruce left Hull though, Hernandez has struggled to find form and has netted just one goal in his 11 appearances.

IN: Jordan Rhodes

Previously the hottest property in the Championship, Jordan Rhodes excelled with Middlesbrough to help the Teesside outfit finally achieve a return back to the Premier League.

However, the arrival of Alvaro Negredo has left Rhodes with limited opportunities.

Making just four Premier League appearances this term, the 26-year-old is likely to demand an exit in the New Year if opportunities do not present themselves.

Villa could benefit from this and, by signing Rhodes and Hernandez, they would have one of the best strike-force's in the division.

OUT: Micah Richards

At 28-years-old, Micah Richards should be enjoying the prime years of his career.

However, the former Manchester City man has struggled for form and doesn't look like he's capable of playing for a side like Aston Villa.

Steve Bruce should sell while he can as interest in Richards, who has a vast amount of experience, should still present itself.

They tried to offload the defender in January, where a move to Sunderland fell through, and they should explore the situation again in the New Year.

OUT: Alan Hutton

Now 31, the Scotland international has been a loyal servant to Aston Villa and has made close to 100 league appearances in his five years at the club.

However, regular football has never quite presented itself at Villa Park and he should be offloaded.

He's made nine appearances this season, eight of which have been in the Championship, but there are better players out there and Villa should look towards signing a replacement instead of sticking with the veteran.