You could easily argue Smith will be trialling a two-striker system this season, partnering Ings and Watkins up.
However, the Villains have showcased their usual 4-2-3-1 formation throughout pre-season.
More notably, Smith has started with two strikers just three times in his last four seasons at Villa and Brentford.
It would be bizarre to see a sudden change in formation as soon as the new campaign starts, especially given Villa’s other attacking signings seem built for 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.
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source: express.co.uk