Aston Villa have impressed over the festive period, and another boost could be on the horizon for Dean Smith.
Villa beat Crystal Palace 3-0 on Boxing Day despite playing with 10 men for much of the clash, and then went away to Chelsea and picked up a 1-1 draw.
Smith’s men sit fifth in the Premier League table, just three points off a Champions League place and six points behind Liverpool at the top.
Having only stayed up on the final day of last season, Villa look like a completely different animal this term, and may have real hopes of sneaking into a European place.
Their summer recruitment is a large of part of the success, as additions like Emiliano Martinez, Matty Cash, Bertrand Traore and Ollie Watkins are all impressing.
Ross Barkley has also starred, picking up two goals and one assist in six outings since signing on loan from Aston Villa.
However, he is currently out of action with a hamstring injury sustained in the 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton in November.
Fans no doubt can’t wait for Barkley to return, and he has posted three enticing words on Twitter, stating ‘not long now’ as he gears up to make his comeback.
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