Aston Villa’s revival looks set to continue under new manager Steve Bruce.
It is funny what a change in management can do. Steve Bruce seems to have brought a fresh sense of optimism to Villa Park with the club unbeaten in four games since he took charge.
Whether it can be attributed to momentum or sheer talent remains to be seen, but as we approach an important run of fixtures the Midlands side need to remain focused.
Blackburn Rovers (Home)
This game will be a really important test for Bruce. Whether you are in a rut or not, Blackburn at home is a game you simply have to be winning these days if you want to challenge for promotion.
Forget about the inconsistency of the Championship; this is a must win and with the players they have at their disposal Villa should accomplish that with relative ease.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Blackburn
Brighton & Hove Albion (Away)
In terms of facing in-form sides, it does not get much more difficult than this. Chris Hughton’s men are on fire right now and show absolutely no signs of slowing down in their push for promotion.
Villa are still in rehabilitation mode and this could prove to be quite the morale knocker for them if the Seagulls are on top form.
Prediction: Brighton 2-1 Aston Villa
Cardiff City (Home)
With just one loss in his first four games, Neil Warnock is doing his level best to bring stability back to the Bluebirds. With a nervy Villa Park crowd who will get on the players’ backs at the first sign of trouble, this could be a big opportunity for the visitors to get something from this game.
One way or another, it will certainly be a tense affair.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Cardiff
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