Steve Bruce wants 20 points from next 10 games

Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has set his side a target of at least 20 points from their next 10 games in order to put them into the playoffs frame.

The Midlands side have taken 18 points in their first 10 games since Bruce took charge in October but are still seven points adrift of the top six.

"We're two points adrift of where we have to be," Bruce told the Birmingham Mail. "Now we probably have to be more than two points a game now if we're going to get anywhere near the playoffs.

"If you get the two points a game, usually in this league it's enough. So that's always the target.

"We've played a trench of 10 let's hopes the next 10 we've got to be plus two and that will give us a chance."

Eight of Villa's next 10 fixtures are against teams currently in the bottom half of the Championship table.