It has certainly been a turbulent start to the season for Aston Villa, but things are slowly looking up with Steve Bruce at the helm.
Given the unpredictability of both the Championship and Aston Villa themselves, it really is anyone’s guess as to where they will end up this year.
It seems likely that they will steer away from the danger of relegation, but in terms of a promotion push we are still none the wiser as to their credentials.
New Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce during the press conference
1) Play-offs
With the resurgence that the club have experienced, a minimum achievement of top six will be required from the majority of Villa supporters.
It seems as if the likes of Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at the top will have the automatic spots wrapped up, but the play-offs are definitely a realistic prospect for Bruce’s men.
New Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce during the press conference
2) Seventh to mid-table
Then again, we cannot get too far ahead of ourselves.
Just a few weeks ago this was a team without any form or confidence, and one or two losses could bring that feeling rushing back. That, combined with a couple injuries, could well prove to be the downfall of the Villans in their surge back towards the Premier League.
New Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce during the press conference
3) Automatic promotion
As previously stated, it seems a bit too out of the reach of Villa this year. They certainly have the quality to maintain the challenge, but given the foundation that has already been built by sides at the top it seems unlikely they will break that.
If they get themselves on a solid unbeaten run they will come close, but not close enough.
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