October Primer: Aston Villa face shorter, but tougher, month ahead

Sure the month is almost half over — but Aston Villa were on international break so that time doesn’t really count, does it? From our separate international loyalties with World Cup tickets booked, hopes dashed, or dreams delayed until playoffs — time to catch up on the Villa. September brought results -- many against lower teams. October’s slate of matches is shorter but tougher. But first — the headlines you may have missed.

• A fresh two-year contract has been agreed to by the club and 20 year old Harry McKirdy.
• The December 2 match against Leeds has been moved to Friday, December 1 because Sky says so.
• Aston Villa will also be on TV on November 1 versus Preston North End.
• The injury room is quite full right now with Mile Jedinak, Andre Green, Keinan Davis, Henri Lansbury & Jack Grealish all receiving treatment. Bruce is hopeful on Jedinak (groin), Davis (hip), and Lansbury (knee).
• The appeal of Neil Taylor’s last minute (read: foolish) red card failed and Villa are left without a natural left back for the next three match... which means the entire month of October.

September: Fall Delight!

Sep 9 - Aston Villa 0 - 0 Brentford

Sep 12 - Aston Villa 0 - 0 Middlesbrough

Sep 16 - Barnsley 0 - 3 Aston Villa

Sep 19 - Aston Villa 0 - 2 Middlesbrough (League/Carabao Cup)

Sep 23 - Aston Villa 2 - 1 Nottm Forest

Sep 26 - Burton 0 - 4 Aston Villa

Sep 30 - Aston Villa 1 - 0 Bolton

James Rushton named his player of the month and called on certain players to up their games.

Last month I did not post the table and Villa played well. So once again I ask you to Google the table if you would like to see it. Yes this outs me as a superstitious person — but if you didn’t know that you don’t follow me on Twitter when I tell entire fan bases not to move because things are going well.

Alex Carson broke down the top of table as the campaign nears the quarter pole.

October: Trick or Treat?

Oct 14 - Wolves (A) (TV)

Oct 21 - Fulham (H)

Oct 29 - Birmingham (A) (TV)

A title-challenger, a talented team coming of two wins in a row, and the Blues. As Villa start to look up — October offers the Lions a change to show their caliber.