Aston Villa fixtures 2017/18: Summing up Steve Bruce's upcoming season

Overview

It’s a tough start on paper for Villa, who host newly-relegated Hull before three games against clubs who all have promotion aspirations this term.

If nothing else it should provide an early indication of where they stand and, with a positive mindset, is a chance to dent the confidence of their rivals.

Highlights

Attention is immediately drawn to the Second City derbies.

This season’s fixtures take place around Halloween and Valentine’s Day.

Who said computers don’t have a sense of humour?

Lowlights

Villa will clock up the miles during Christmas week as they first head to Brentford and then Middlesbrough.

The lowest away following of the campaign, meanwhile, will almost certainly be the midweek trip to Sunderland on March 6.

Indeed, many of the longest away days have been saved for the second half of the campaign.

Don’t Miss

One positive last season was the opportunity for Villa supporters to visit some unfamiliar grounds.

That obviously isn’t the case this time around, though a trip to Bramall Lane on January 27 will appeal to many.

Give it a swerve

It is hard to look past that trip to Sunderland.

Mackem supporters will also be subjected to a midweek trip to Villa Park for the reverse fixture in November.

A final day jaunt to the Den will also appear unappetising should Villa’s campaign not go to plan.

One the manager will fancy

The opening day fixture with Hull immediately jumps out.

Bruce is regarded as the Tigers’ most successful-ever manager having twice guided them to promotion from the Championship.

This game will offer Villa the chance to set the tone for the campaign ahead.

Throw in new Hull boss Leonid Slutsky and live TV coverage and everything is set up for a cracker.

Eyes on the pies

Brentford might not be an ideal Boxing Day fixture but at least the ground is the right side of London and surrounded by pubs.

A nearby homeowner is also believed to have set up a hot dog and cake stall in front of the away entrance.

The ground has a proper terrace too.

We’re here for the beer

There are some excellent away days to be had in the Championship and this year has the bonus of two trips to the beer paradise otherwise known as Sheffield.

Villa’s August Bank Holiday trip to Bristol will have also caught the eye, while the weather stands a chance of being pleasant on September 26 for the short trip up the A38 to Burton and all the hoppy delights Britain’s brewing capital offers.