Before we get started, this article isn’t written to pick on any Villa players, or even to label poor performers in the team. Simply put, we’re here today to highlight some players who could do with stepping up their game to ensure that Aston Villa get over the line in October and grab some points in what could be some quite difficult fixtures over the next 31 days.

So, who could do with fixing up so Aston Villa can look sharp come the end of October?

Birkir Bjarnason

Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images

Birkir hasn’t endured the worst spell possible, but he could do with adding just a bit more to his game at Villa. He’s a bit-part player at the moment, but with a hectic slog of games coming up - and with the added possibility of injuries and suspensions - Birkir will find himself in the lineup in October, and he must do a bit more. ‘Thor’ is a star for an Icelandic national team that always punches above its weight (as fans of England will know), but hasn’t been able to replicate that form for his club yet. Being played across the pitch hasn’t helped, but Bjarnason certainly has a part to play.

Any Left-Back

Neil Taylor, has been rightly/wrongly (depending on your disposition) suspended for a number of games after a late tackle in Villa’s last game against Bolton. This means that a Villa side that has enjoyed a period of consistency within the lineup is now forced into a potentially dangerous change. With no senior left-backs within the team, Villa have to play someone out of position (or adopt a major tactical shift at an impromptu time). Anyone who plays at left-back in the next few games for Villa will need to step up to Neil Taylor’s surprisingly impressive level of play at the position. This is crucial - whether it’s Alan Hutton or Ritchie De Laet.

Glenn Whelan

Glenn Whelan really has done his part for Villa this past month, but he’s also been a little bit of a problem. You see, Glenn is Villa’s ‘sinkhole’. The time he takes on the ball and the decisions he makes do invite pressure onto himself, and thus Villa. Most of the time, Glenn is Villa’s last line of defense, until an attacker meets John Terry and James Chester. In the event of a counter, it’s usually going to come through Whelan. More of the same next month Glenn, but we’re going to need you to iron out those little problems in your game!

Who do you want to see more from in October? Let us know in the comments below!