Aston Villa vs Rotherham: Steve Bruce needs all of his fighting instincts

There is something noticeably different, however, about the rising storm which currently threatens to engulf Villa’s manager.

For the first time, the frustrations always present on social media in some form or another have transferred to the stands.

It was first evident during the 4-1 defeat at Sheffield United earlier in the month and then again on Saturday, when supporters called for Bruce’s head as his team trailed 1-0 at Blackburn.

Though it might have only been a portion of the 4,000-travelling support, it was enough to prove fan dissatisfaction with the manager is at an all-time high. It would be reasonable to assume more would have vented yet further anger at full-time had Conor Hourihane not netted a stoppage-time equaliser.

Yet while the midfielder’s strike might have saved Bruce from boos at Ewood Park, it did little to ease the pressure ahead of back-to-back home games against Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday.

Two wins are needed if the mood in the stands isn’t to sour further. Even then, would require a sustained run of good form before relations with certain sections of the club’s support are repaired.

Few managers are universally loved by a fanbase, of course. But an indifferent start to the season has increased the doubters in Villa’s.

While Bruce references just one defeat in the opening seven games, supporters point to a winless run which now stretches to five league matches and six in all competitions.

There is a sense Bruce knows his explanations are starting to sound like excuses. He came close to saying as much on Saturday.

Most would agree his task has been far from easy. Last season’s failure to win promotion saw Villa lose key players, while the ensuing financial crisis meant Bruce was unable to start rebuilding until the season was already upon him. There was always going to be a measure of sorting out to be done over the opening weeks.

By the same token, it also cannot be denied a team containing the talent of Villa’s should be capable of far better than they have so far produced.

Barring the first hour of last month’s 2-2 draw with Brentford, they have come nowhere near.

What Bruce needs is a performance which indicates he is on the right track. The visit of a Millers outfit who are newly promoted and yet to pick up a point on their travels this term would appear to offer the ideal opportunity.

Then again, Rotherham arrive at Villa Park fresh from their best result of the season to date, a 1-0 home win over Derby.

Such a scoreline typifies the unpredictable nature of a division which this season appears to have no clear favourite.

For all Villa’s frustration in recent weeks, they remain only five points off the top.

Millers assistant boss Richie Barker expects Bruce’s men to be challenging in the long-term.

“They’ve got some fantastic players and I’m sure once it clicks there, it will really click, hopefully that’s not on Tuesday night,” he said.

“They’ve had a mixed start but I’m sure given time they’ll finish really strongly.

“We’re keen to get the points as quickly as we can. Unfortunately our early away games have been tough ones. That’s not an excuse but every point we pick up away from home will be a bonus. We won’t need to motivate them to go to Villa and play.”

With Axel Tuanzebe having enjoyed a solid outing alongside skipper James Chester in central defence at Blackburn, Bruce may opt to stick with the same back four.

Changes are more likely and needed in attack. Yannick Bolasie is pushing for a start after making his debut off the bench at Ewood Park, while Anwar El Ghazi could also come in.

The biggest decision facing Bruce is whether to field both Tammy Abraham and Jonathan Kodjia. The pair played together briefly at Bristol City and showed glimpses of that understanding after Kodjia came off the bench on Saturday.

Naturally cautious, this is a night when throwing a little to the wind might be the best policy for a manager under scrutiny.