Speaking to Aston Villa’s official media, Steve Bruce has claimed he is confident his side will still be in the hunt for promotion at the end of the Sky Bet Championship season.  

Despite starting the season as one of the favourites for promotion, Villa are struggling, and currently sit 18^th in the table with just seven points from their opening seven fixtures.

Pressure appears to be building on Bruce at Villa Park, but the experienced manager remains confident that his side can still compete for promotion in the Championship, he said: “We have the makings of a very decent team. We will be there or thereabouts.

“It’s a disappointing start, but I’m convinced we are on the right tracks.”

Since the international break at the end of August, Villa have failed to record a second Championship victory of the season, drawing consecutive fixtures at Villa Park 0-0.

Both Brentford and Middlesbrough have held Bruce’s side in the last week, with Villa desperately unlucky not to beat the latter on Tuesday evening.

Despite the disappointment of failing to pick up a vital three points against Boro, there were positives for Bruce – most notably the first-team return of Jonathan Kodjia, who had missed Villa’s entire pre-season and beginning of the current campaign.

Villa are looking for their second victory of the season this weekend when they travel to Oakwell to face Barnsley.

The Verdict

Bruce is understandably trying to create a positive mindset at Villa Park, after what has been an extremely testing start to the season for his side.

Many expected a push for promotion, but as things stand, Villa look like they could be in for another disappointing campaign in the Championship.

Something drastic will have to change over the next few weeks, or Villa will face an uphill battle trying to work their way into promotion contention.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!