Dean Smith’s expensively assembled side go into three crucial matches in sore need of a run of wins but the defender Tommy Elphick expects them to handle the pressureThe good news for Aston Villa is that they can still take points off the eight teams above them but, with 16 games to go, time is running out if the club have designs of avoiding a fourth consecutive season in the Championship. One win from seven matches has left a faltering Villa off the pace, chugging behind in the race to reach the play-offs. For too long, all season in truth, what would be the most expensively assembled squad in the division but for Stoke City have flattered to deceive, a reality that cost Steve Bruce his job and led to the arrival of Dean Smith, who grew up in Great Barr, four miles from Villa Park.On the horizon, a crucial period of three potential season-defining games in nine days beckons, starting with Sheffield United at home on Friday. Related: Championship promotion race: who’s heading up and who’s missing out? | Ben Fisher This manager comes with a structure and a plan that maybe needs a little bit of time to get it where he wants it Related: Football League: Pulis celebrates West Brom victory, Bruce gets maiden win Continue readingreadfullarticle
