Aston Villa should target 10 points and cup victory in next 5 fixtures

Follow us on Google Discover

Aston Villa have a chance to right the wrongs of their season so far in the five fixtures following the international break.

Aston Villa players celebrate their first goal, scored by Scott Hogan (3rd R), during the Carabao Cup First Round match against Colchester United.

It has been a relatively disappointing start to the season for Aston Villa, who sit 18th in the Championship table after five matches.

An opening day draw with relegated Hull City was followed up by successive defeats to Cardiff City and Reading. Victory over Norwich City and most recently a draw at Bristol City have steadied things somewhat, but now Steve Bruce’s men need to push on.

Joshua Onomah of Aston Villa is tackled by Marlon Pack of Bristol City.

The next five fixtures represent a great chance for the Villans to kickstart in the second tier of English football and also continue their progress in the Carabao Cup – with two victories in the competition so far one of the few positives of 2017/18.

Next up in the league following the international break is Brentford at home on Saturday (September 9), a side who are yet to pick up a win this term and who are joint bottom with two points. Anything but three points for Villa would be disappointing.

The following Tuesday Bruce’s side host Middlesbrough, who although are promotion favourites themselves, a draw from the game should be the minimum expectation. Barnsley away on September 16 represents another great opportunity for a victory, while Boro are the visitors to Villa Park again on September 19 – this time in the cup.

Steve Bruce, manager of Aston Villa.

The fifth fixture sees Nottingham Forest the away side in what will be a home heavy few weeks for the Birmingham outfit. A decent start from the Reds make them a tricky prospect as well, but beating either Forest or Middlesbrough and drawing with the other is a realistic target.

Essentially Bruce can get his and his team’s campaign back on track with 10 points from the next four Championship outings, while progress in the cup would help to banish the negative thoughts of those already questioning his management.