Do Aston Villa have what it takes to win the Championship title this season?
The former Villa star believes that the most that Steve Bruce’s side can hope for this season is a spot in the top six of the Championship.
Merson has also shared his worry about the Villans, claiming that not a whole lot has changed from last season at Villa Park.
The former England international has also stated that Villa need to play with three at the back in order to get the best of John Terry, who joined the club in the summer transfer window on a free following his departure from Chelsea at the end of the 2016-17 campaign.
“Aston Villa were always going to be under pressure this season and I think the best they can hope for is the play-offs,” Merson wrote in The Daily Star.
“I don’t see that a whole lot has changed there since last season, which is a worry, and they might need to change the system.
“I think they need to play three at the back with John Terry there. He has great experience but there are some quick players in that league.
“They need to play a three to free John up to control that defence and mop things up when it all breaks down.”
“I would love to see them do well but I can’t see them winning that division,” added Merson. “I think the best they can hope for is a play-off place.”
Villa are one of the biggest clubs of England and have a strong fanbase, and the Villa Park faithful will expect the team to at least finish in the playoffs.
The Villans, though, have not started the season strongly, having picked up just five points from as many matches in the Championship.
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