Burton trip could be toughest test of Aston Villa's crucial month

The considerable difference in size and ambition of the two clubs means there is only one outcome which will allow Villa to avoid a collective blow to their self-esteem.

But getting a win away to Nigel Clough’s Brewers, a team who have worked up quite the appetite for giving the big boys a bloody nose, will be far from easy.

Blues and Fulham have already been sent packing from the Pirelli Stadium with their tails between their legs this season, while Sheffield Wednesday, Derby and Wolves were all beaten last term.

“They are an unbelievable success story,” said Bruce. “As always, when you go to Burton, it’ll be difficult.

“I think they (Burton) relish the challenge of it, that’s what it is, that’s what the championship throws at you.

“You have the extremes of Burton to Aston Villa. But we have no divine right. We have to earn that right.”

Buoyed after recording back-to-back wins for the first time this season, supporters will understandably demand their team continue the run.

In truth, a repeat of last April’s 1-1 draw would not represent a poor result for Villa, as they look to continue their climb up the Championship table.

Saturday’s win over Nottingham Forest was the perfect start to an important week and eased some of the pressure ahead of tonight and this weekend’s visit of Bolton.

Six points might be the desire from fixtures against two teams in the bottom six, yet a return of four would be more than palatable. That would likely leave Bruce’s men, if not in the top six, then at the very least on the fringes of it heading into the international break.

Brewers boss Clough, who has injury concerns over defensive duo Jake Buxton and Kyle McFadzean, has stressed the importance of his team making a quick start.

“We need to get out of the blocks quickly, like we did against Fulham. We can’t give them any time to play,” he said. “It’s one of the fixtures that really stands out when Villa come here, being a former Premier League club.

“It’s always a big one for us. These are the sort of games we are in the Championship to enjoy and I think the supporters will as well.

“They are such a massive club, ex-European champions. Steve Bruce is trying hard to turn it around and we know he will.”