Steve Bruce: This is how many games Aston Villa need to win to finish in play-offs
By Will Butcher
Steve Bruce has claimed that Aston Villa must win seven of their remaining eight league games to finish in the Championship play-offs this term.
Promotion expert Bruce has guided his side to five wins out of their last six games, sparking hopes that the Midlands giants might be able to squeeze into the top six at the last minute.
Speaking to Aston Villa’s official website, Bruce said Villa must win at least seven games and draw another if they are to stand any chance of finishing in the top six.
“We have a squeak,” Bruce said. “To stand a chance this season? We have eight games. If we won seven and drew one, maybe. You never know.
“It’s a tall order for us, but for sure we won’t give up. The thing that disappoints me is that I wish we were just poor in January rather than awful.”
Bruce has won promotion from the Championship four times in his managerial career; twice with Hull City and twice with Birmingham City.
Villa currently sit in 12th place, 11 points away from the play-off positions with sixth placed Sheffield Wednesday on 62 points.
A disappointing start to the 2016-17 campaign saw Villa sack Roberto Di Matteo, denting their hopes of an instant return to the Premier League after last season’s relegation.
Bruce’s side go up against Norwich at Villa Park on Saturday, with three points crucial if Villa are to mount a play-off charge.
In other Aston Villa news, Bruce has revealed his best moment since taking over from Di Matteo.
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