Missing star Kodjia dilemma for Bruce

On the issues which need to be addressed by the Villa manager ahead of Sunday’s derby

STEVE Bruce has occasionally toyed with the idea of playing three at the back. He used the formation so successfully during his time at Hull, but it is yet to take off at Villa Park.

He deployed it in the games against Nottingham Forest and Ipswich in February, saying he thought it suited the personnel he had signed in the January transfer window before later admitting it was a failed experiment.

Villa’s 3-5-2 system again ended in defeat at Craven Cottage on Monday, with Fulham enjoying plenty of success down the flanks. but Bruce will no doubt be making provisions in case the FA don’t overturn the striker’s red card.

Kodjia’s absence would probably see Bruce return to the 4-3-3 system he employed during Villa’s impressive March run.

Scott Hogan is likely to be the man up top but some fans are suggesting Kodjia’s dismissal may have presented an opening for Gabby Agbonlahor to return for his favourite fixture.

He has a wonderful record in Second City derbies, but hasn’t played since January due to a hamstring injury. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy is also an option if Bruce wants to continue with a two-man attack. envisage Henri Lansbury returning to the starting XI, while Conor Hourihane will also be at the forefront of Bruce’s thinking.

The pair were left out as Bruce selected Gary Gardner and Jack Grealish to play either side of midfield lynchpin Mile Jedinak at Fulham last Monday.

Local lads Gardner and Grealish will be desperate to be involved against the old enemy, particularly the latter, who was suspended for the clash at St Andrew’s in October.

Leandro Bacuna is another option. The manager rates the Dutchman, who is one of the survivors from last season’s Premier League woes. Neil Taylor’s importance has been highlighted during the last two matches, with Jordan Amavi looking a little suspect as his replacement.

Taylor’s groin problem occurred almost a week ago and Bruce is hopeful he will be back for the derby.

If he doesn’t recover, Amavi will face competition from James Bree with Alan Hutton expected to return at right-back.

Less obvious replacements come in the form of Tom Leggett and Jacob Bedeau.

Both have impressed for Kevin MacDonald’s Under-23s team.

They are comfortable on the left side of defence, despite it not being their natural position.

However, the Second City cauldron at Villa Park this weekend maybe isn’t the ideal place to blood a youngster.