David Prutton predicts Aston Villa v Derby, delivers verdict on Bruce
By Amir Mir
David Prutton has predicted Aston Villa to record a 1-1 draw against Derby County in their Championship clash on Saturday afternoon.
Sky Sports pundit Prutton backed under-fire manager Steve Bruce by stating that he will “eventually get it going” at the struggling Midlands club.
Villa have fallen down the Championship table at an alarming rate as they have suffered five defeats on the bounce.
Furthermore, they have only picked up a point since the turn of the year as they were beaten 2-0 at Newcastle on Monday night.
Ahead of Villa’s weekend clash, former Nottingham Forest midfielder Prutton explained why he is backing both teams to pick up a point.
“This is two teams not exactly pulling up trees at the moment,” Prutton told Sky Sports. “Villa are without a win in 10 games in all competitions which is crazy really and Derby haven’t won in five.
“I watched Villa against Newcastle and there was a touch of misfortune at St James’, but I just fancy Derby to go to Villa Park and get something.
“I think Steve Bruce will eventually get it going, but not this weekend.”
Many of Villa’s recent defeats have been down to costly errors which have resulted in them dropping valuable points.
Bruce’s side are yet to keep a clean sheet since early December and will be looking to pick up their first three points since Boxing Day against the Rams.
Steve McClaren’s promotion-chasing side go into the game without a win during their last five matches.
They will have Villa’s record signing Darren Bent amongst their ranks as the former England man has been a regular feature under McClaren.
Nonetheless, a defeat for the home team would see them suffer their third consecutive loss at Villa Park, despite being unbeaten in front of their own fans prior to that.
In other Aston Villa news, Steve Bruce has confirmed that this attacking trio will miss the clash against Derby.
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