Derby County manager Steve McClaren has backed counterpart Steve Bruce to “get it right” with struggling Aston Villa, ahead of this weekend’s clash, reports the Derby Telegraph.

McClaren takes his side to Villa Park this weekend where they face an out-of-form Villa, who have failed to win since Boxing Day, and have lost five consecutive matches.

Villa currently sit 17th in the Sky Bet Championship, just six-points above the relegation zone.

Bruce invested heavily in his side during the January transfer window, in a bid to turn things around, but McClaren always expected Villa to struggle this season, he said:

"It is a season (for Villa) which a lot of people predicted but it is a massive club with great supporters, and individually they have signed some very, very good players.

"So, eventually they will get it right, and without a shadow of a doubt with Steve Bruce at the helm.”

McClaren’s side are not enjoying the most successful of seasons.

After a fantastic run between McClaren’s appointment, in October, and turn of the year, Derby put themselves in a magnificent position to push on for a Play-Off place, something they haven’t been able to do.

Derby now sit 11th in the Championship, ten-points behind the Play-Off places, with just 14 fixtures of the season remaining.

McClaren’s side have not tasted victory yet this month, but will be confident of picking up a result against a struggling Villa side.

Derby fans… can you see McClaren masterminding a victory at Villa Park?  

Villa fans… do you share the same belief that Bruce will turn things around?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!