Paul Merson has said that the best that Aston Villa can achieve this season is a place in the promotion playoffs.
After being touted as one of the pre-season favorites to lift the Championship title this season, the Villains have started the season on a disappointing note, scoring just five points from their opening five games and they currently occupy 18th place on the League standings.
While the team bolstered their squad with several new signings this summer, Merson added that he does not see much of a change from the side that finished 13th in the Championship last season and this is worrying.
Merson wrote in his column for the Daily Star, “Aston Villa were always going to be under pressure this season and I think the best they can hope for is the play-offs.
“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.”
Bruce’s side are already four points off the playoffs and unless their results take an immediate improvement, it will be hard to see them making the playoffs or having a good season.
