Why October Will Be Another Crucial Month for Aston Villa's Promotion Hopes

Aston Villa ended September with a flurry, winning four games in a row. The Villans are currently unbeaten in eight league matches and appear to have resurrected their season.

Yet, Villa's revival will be tested even further in October, with a tough triple header of fixtures.

After the international break, Steve Bruce's side face a daunting trip to Molineux that will pair two of the Championship's most in-form sides.

Although Villa's current run is impressive, it has featured fixtures such as Bolton, Burton and Barnsley, and only one of the current top eight.

Therefore, the trip to Wolves could highlight whether Villa can compete with the top sides in the league.

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There is also the small matter of a West Midlands derby, something both sets of fans will take very seriously.

A week later, Villa welcome Fulham to Villa Park, a club who have lost just one of their last seven.

Much like the claret and blues, Fulham have recovered from an indifferent start to the season and will be a tricky opponent.

Villa end the month with the biggest fixture of the lot, a trip to St Andrews.

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The Villans are undoubtedly a better side than Birmingham, yet that can often count for nothing in derby matches.

Despite Villa's excellent record against their city rivals it will not be an easy game, especially given the intimidating atmosphere that the visiting players will face at St Andrews.

A win for Bruce and co will be a huge moral boost, and is the best way to appease a group of fans who still do not fully support Bruce.

The former Sunderland and Hull boss enjoyed a superb month in September, and knows that if his side can continue in such a rich vain of form then an automatic promotion place could be achievable.

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However, should Villa slip up in their three October fixtures, those in the Holte End could be quick to turn on Bruce again. 

Villa turned the corner last month, but their momentum will have been halted by the international break. Now the players need to show that was more than just a brief upturn in form and that they do indeed have the ability to consistently win games.

Anything less than five points from this crucial month will be seen as a disappointment by Villa fans, and could result in them playing catch up to the top two.