Tim Sherwood’s best 11

The Aston Villa manager is now under huge pressure after recent media reports state that he has to win at least 1 of his next 2 games to keep his job. It’s now or never for Sherwood, and with him making the open admission to the media that he doesn’t know his best 11 or formation he is under more scrutiny than ever.

As Villa head into two games against Chelsea and Swansea, Sherwood needs to find the Villa swagger that endeared himself to the Villa fans when he first joined. The bizarre 5 at the back selection at Stoke was the final straw for many, but if he utilises his squad correctly, Sherwood can come back from the brink. I would play a 451/433 in the next two games as we need to settle on a formation. These are the players I would choose:

GK - Brad Guzan. Sherwood tried and failed to replace Guzan in the Summer, and whilst he has made an unspectacular start to the season, he is clearly Villa’s number 1

DR- Micah Richards. He doesn’t want to play RB, but Villa need their captain to take one for the team and fill in as neither Leandro Bacuna or Alan Hutton have covered themselves in glory so far this season.

DC - Ciaran Clark. His best season in a Villa shirt was last season and didn’t deserve to be dropped when Joleon Lescott was signed. He has good positional sense, encourages his team mates and tracks his man well.

DC- Joleon Lescott. Hasn’t had the best of starts in a Villa shirt, but with Jores Okore still not match fit, the International break has provided him with time to bed in at Villa and get up to speed. He needs to find his West Brom form from last season again.

DL - Jordan Amavi. Villa’s most consistent performer this season and will only get better. He needs to improve his positional sense at times, but he has great pace and has already provided two assists this season.

CM - Idrissa ‘Gana’ Gueye. He has adapted well to the English campaign following his arrival from Lille in the summer. Fabian Delph’s replacement provides energy and guile in the middle of the park.

CM - Jordan Veretout. Has had a slow start since his moving from Nantes but in the last few games, notably his performance against Liverpool showed Villa fans that he can be a box-to-box Premier League midfielder.

CM- Carlos Sanchez. One of the most frustating Villa players. Shows glimpses of class but will then give the ball to the opposition. As Villa face Chelsea and Swansea in the next two games, his role as protector will be key.

AMR - Adama Traore. He has been injured recently, but should now be fit. He has lightening speed and great technical ability. He needs to be playing.

AML - Jack Grealish. The Villa park faithful have looked to Jack to save the club. When Sherwood put him on the bench for a home game, the fans were not happy. He has a fantastic touch, brilliant vision and pops up in between the defence and midfield. He is key to Villa’s season.

ST - Jordan Ayew. He is the most controversial choice, but his 45min performance against Birmingham in the cup showed that he does have the ability to take on players and create chances. He is clearly a confidence player and he suits how Traore and Grealish like to play.

Honourable mentions to Carles Gil, Rudy Gestede and Ashley Westwood, who all provide good options from the bench. We have an exciting front three, a protective and dynamic middle three and a solid back four that has pace with Richards and Amavi.

This is how I think Villa should line up over the next few games, who would you pick? Let me know in the comments below!