Aston Villa have suffered a blip in form as they look to gain promotion come May.
Former Aston Villa striker Kevin Phillips has told the Express & Star that his old side must best Sheffield United on Saturday in order to get their promotion chase back on track.
Steve Bruce has seen his side suffer a mini blip in the second division of English football, drawing 0-0 against Millwall before a 2-0 defeat to Derby County, where Phillips is assistant manager.
Villa now sit way back in fifth place, 10 points behind second following the loss to Derby and will be desperate to put that right against a Sheffield United side that have lost four of their last five outings.
Former England international Phillips is confident that Bruce’s side can turn their form around but has warned the Midlands outfit that they must do that against Sheffield United, and is confident that they can get a result.
“In reality, the mini-blip for Steve Bruce’s team has only included a 0-0 draw with Millwall and Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Derby,” Phillips said. “That is all it takes, however, to see the pressure ramp up at a club like Villa, particularly when the gap to second-placed Cardiff now stands at ten points.
“Just a few weeks ago, Villa were looking in great shape but in the Championship your fortunes can quickly change. I’m sure Steve Bruce will take plenty of comfort in the knowledge things can easily turn round again in the blink of an eye.
“Neither will he have lost sight of the fact their opponents next weekend, Sheffield United, are in much poorer form having lost four of their last five. Without doubt the game represents for Villa a chance to get back to winning ways.”
Villa have a tough run over the Christmas period in the Championship, facing fellow high flyers Bristol City as well as an always-improving Brentford side and cash-rich Middlesbrough, who are sure to click into gear at any point.
Bruce’s side play host to the Blades next time out, with three points enough to reduce the gap between themselves and fourth-placed Derby to just one points if the Rams lose to Millwall at home.
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