Aston Villa’s thin defence has been a constant cause for concern this season as the likes of Mile Jedinak and Alan Hutton are deployed as makeshift centre-halves but, after a stoic performance agains Swansea, James Bree could be about to receive an unexpected run in the starting XI.
On the chalkboard
Dean Smith’s Villa revolution continues as his side now sit ninth in the standings and just three points from the precious play-off places, but such is the lack of depth at the back that the former Brentford boss resorted to calling on free-agent and former Villan James Collins, who is now sidelined himself.
Former Barnsley man Bree stepped in alongside captain Chester against the Swans and was impressive as he won 4 aerial duels and completed 5 clearances on the way to a first clean sheet in their last four games.
Naturally a right-back, Bree’s dominant showing at the heart of a back four begs the question as to whether he should continue in this role or be given an extended run in his favoured position.
Can’t make-do with makeshift
Smith has been forced into shoehorning many of his remotely defensive minded players into the centre of defence throughout the season, with Bree the latest to partner Chester – this cannot continue if the Midlands outfit are to seal a top six finish and the solution must be to splash some cash in January.
However, Bree’s form cannot be ignored – he should be slowly moving above Ahmed Elmohamady in the pecking order as the Egyptian has been poor in recent weeks and must be rested in order to give Bree the opportunity to play himself into a purple patch.
Having made just seven appearances in claret and blue last season, the 21-year-old is surely going to surpass that number this campaign with the best potentially still yet to come but, in order to allow him to make the best of his opportunity, he must be played where he is most comfortable.
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