Aston Villa find themselves on an encouraging run of form, with Dean Smith’s side rising through the Championship table in recent weeks.

Smith has overseen five Championship fixtures as Villa boss, with his side winning on three occasions, picking up nine points from a possible 15.

Last time out, Villa beat Derby County 3-0 at Pride Park, making a real statement in the race for the play-offs.

The international break is taking centre stage this weekend, but next week, Villa entertain Birmingham City in the first Second City derby of the season.

The Birmingham Mail have revealed that Villa have injury concerns ahead of that fixture, though, with John McGinn and Neil Taylor both struggling.

McGinn and Taylor have been regulars under Smith, and their absence would be a blow for Villa.

Here at FLW, we look at TWO players who will have to step up against Birmingham if McGinn and Taylor miss out…

Should Taylor miss out, Alan Hutton will switch to left back, with Elmohamady coming in at right-back.

That combination of full-backs was Steve Bruce’s choice last season and took Villa all the way to the play-off final.

It won’t be a major worry for Smith if he has to do this, but Elmohamady will have to step up and produce a big performance.

Grealish will start whether McGinn is fit or not, but if the Scot doesn’t make the Second City derby, there will be more pressure on Grealish to be the difference against the Blues.

McGinn has taken the expectation off Grealish this season, but if he’s absent, the 23-year-old will be the man Smith turns to as he looks for an edge in attack.

The pressure will be on the boyhood Villan.

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