The past week has been alarming for Aston Villa, who have suffered two sobering defeats to bottom club Wolves and Champions League-chasing rivals Chelsea.

With two wins in eight across all competitions, Unai Emery’s side are in desperate need of results before the March international break.

The chance of lifting silverware in May is on the line in the next fortnight, as Villa take on Lille in the Europa League round of 16, with a trip to Manchester United wedged between the away and home legs.

After playing the second leg at home, Villa then welcome relegation-threatened West Ham to B6 - their final league match until they travel to Nottingham Forest three weeks later.

It’s a hugely important few weeks in Villa's campaign ahead of the final stretch after the international break, but it’s not only club objectives that Emery’s squad are playing for.

Indeed, perhaps a few members of his squad not being included in their respective national team squads for the March internationals will serve as something of a 'wake-up call'.

A number of players in Emery’s team harbour...