Alex McLeish considers defensive changes

Published Nov 7, 2016

Last updated Feb 10, 2012

Alex McLeish is pondering a defensive reshuffle for the visit of Manchester City in a bid to end his side's Villa Park hoodoo.

The claret and blues have not won at home since a 3-2 victory over Norwich on Bonfire night last year, having drawn two and lost four of the last six games on their own turf.

And, should they fail to beat City on Sunday, it will be the club's longest run of home games without a win in the Premier League.

McLeish was an interested spectator at Villa reserves during the week where defender Eric Lichaj was asked to play at left-back in a 3-0 win over Fulham, with out-of-form Stephen Warnock's position under threat.

Nathan Baker also caught the eye with a commanding performance at centre-back and he is pushing his claims for inclusion.

"It is difficult to chop and change the team every week," said McLeish.

"If those players you bring in don't do it then you have to go back cap in hand to the players you have just left out of the team.

"But I've got food for thought with one or two players getting fit again.

"I think we can defend better and I have tried to address that this week."