I agree with most Villa fans that central midfield is our weakest area. However I think they are on a bit of hiding to nothing. The back four (Dunne, Collins esp) like to defend deep and our strikers both play high up the pitch meaning most teams can play through our central two quite easily as there is so much space..
Unsure what the answer is, don't want Collins or Dunne defending with a high line and don't want Gabby and Bent on the last defenders shoulder as much as poss.
Maybe the diamond is the answer but you lose width, maybe 352 but that formation obv has limitations too