Win over Preston is imperative for Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce

Friday’s 1-1 draw at Bristol City did little to ease the pressure on the manager’s shoulders, with Villa now 15th in the Championship having won just one of their last eight games.

Though reports in the national press claiming Bruce has just two games to save his job are not thought to be strictly true, there is no hiding the increasing urgency to get results.

Beating a Preston team who now sit bottom of the table having lost seven of their opening 10 games is likely imperative, but Bruce is refusing to shy away from the challenge.

Villa also go to Millwall, who sit just one place above Preston, on Saturday.

Bruce said: “Bring it on. At the moment every game is important. This is another one to look forward to.

“Hopefully we will win and get near the top six.”

Despite their poor run, Villa sit just two points outside the top six and six behind leaders Albion.

But frustration among the club’s fanbase is continuing to build and Bruce again heard sections of the travelling support call for his head at Ashton Gate.

For the second successive away game, Villa came from behind to snatch a point, with Birkir Bjarnason’s header cancelling out Josh Brownhill’s opener for the hosts.

The Iceland international is convinced their form will turn.

“We wanted the three points on Friday. I think you could see that. We chased for the second goal but it didn’t come,” he said. “It’s a big week now. We need to start picking up more points. The performances will come.

“We just have to stay in there and keep on fighting. The three points will come, hopefully on Tuesday.”