Aston Villa Prepare To Face Former Manager Steve Bruce

Steve Bruce managed Aston Villa Football Club for two years before his firing in late 2018. On Saturday, the claret and blues face their former manager for the first time.

Aston Villa travel to Hillsborough Stadium on Saturday in what is another crucial league match between promotion-contending clubs. Energized by new manager Steve Bruce, the Owls sit four points removed from 6th following a five-game unbeaten run.

The same Steve Bruce sacked by Villa back in October, returns to face his former club for the first time.

And, according to current players, it should be a bit awkward the first time around. For many, Bruce was the man that brought them in and/or gave them their chance in the claret and blue colors. Starters that count in that group include, but is not limited to: Ahmed Elmohamady, Neil Taylor, Glenn Whelan, John McGinn, Conor Hourihane, Anwar El Ghazi, Albert Adomah and Tammy Abraham.

Led by a conglomerate of goalscorers, Wednesday rely on contributions in the aggregate from noted Villa-killer Adam Reach, striker Steven Fletcher and Portuguese forward Lucas João. With assist man (and former Villan) Barry Bannan play-making in midfield, it should be a tough fight at Hillsborough. Bruce is a noted defensive disciple who would prefer to win close games with a nicked goal or two from set pieces. But Saturday’s affair may have him open up his side a bit more with Wednesday needing three points far more than Villa do.

It’s unclear who will be available for Villa at the time of this writing, but Axel Tuanzebe returned to the bench last weekend and was an unused substitute. The way Kortney Hause and Tyrone Mings have played, it’s tough to break up that partnership – even if I do think Tuanzebe at right centre-back + Hause at left-back is the best alignment.

James Chester has returned to training, as has Henri Lansbury.