Steve Bruce has guided Aston Villa to a somewhat average start to the 2018/19 Championship campaign. Picking up nine points from their opening six league fixtures of the season, and currently sitting in 12th place in the league table, there seems to be a lack of leadership in the ranks at Villa Park.

What’s gone wrong for Steve Bruce?

With two losses on the bounce prior to the international break against Burton Albion and Sheffield United, it is no surprise that there is a large section of the Claret and Blue calling for change.

Villans manager Steve Bruce made a number of high-profile signings over this summer’s transfer market, with the likes of Yannick Bolasie, Anwar El-Ghazi and Tammy Abraham joining Aston Villa.

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Aston Villa were tipped as potential title contenders this season, and despite the injection of talent into the squad, perhaps the loss of captain and leader John Terry has taken its toll on the Villa squad.

Watford, who are currently joint top of the Premier League, are yet to make changes to their starting line-up this season, meaning players like Adrian Mariappa could be left without much action this season – the perfect opportunity for Aston Villa to replace their leader.

Why Adrian Mariappa?

With the departure of John Terry, Watford centre back Adrian Mariappa has the experience and knowledge to replace the former Chelsea and England captain.

Whilst having never played at the level of Terry, the 31-year-old Jamaica international has played over 350 times for club and country throughout his 13-year career, but appears unlikely to feature as much for top flight high-flyers Watford this season.

Mariappa made 30 appearances in all competitions last season, showing that he still has what it takes to play at a high level, and recently shone for his national team during the international break.

Whilst leaving his boyhood club and dropping to the Championship may not be exactly what he wants, Mariappa will be joining a prestigious club and could potentially help turn Aston Villa's season into a successful one.