Aston Villa are currently in the midst of what can only be described as a defensive crisis.
Steve Bruce’s side were carved open by Sheffield United in their last outing, conceding four whilst deploying midfielder Mile Jedinak as a makeshift central defender.
The club’s hopes of re-signing defender John Terry have been renewed after the former England captain confirmed that he would not be joining Spartak Moscow in a heartfelt message on his official Instagram account.
However, Bruce is under pressure to ring the changes whether Terry joins or not, with a trip to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday looming. If changes are made, young defender Jacob Bedeau could be in line for a début.
The 18-year-old joined in January 2017 from Bury for a reported £600,000 having established himself as one of the country’s hottest prospects. He made his professional début at the tender age of 16 and whilst Villa’s first-team has been leaking goals, Bedeau has been shining for Kevin MacDonald’s under-23 side. The youngster lacks experience but could benefit from the club’s dire need for another option in the heart of defence.
An athletic and intelligent defender, the teenager could prove to be the perfect reinforcement for a backline that has come under heavy fire from supporters.
Villa travel to Lancashire and Blackburn in 12th place in the table, just one goal in difference above their hosts – both sides on nine points. A win, and a welcome three points, for either side would see them make great strides towards the play-off places, the last of those currently held by Bristol City with 11 points.
