Steve Bruce and Aston Villa were unable to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking and finished a disappointing 13^th. But the club get a chance to start the 2017/18 season off strong by knocking off a promotion contender.

Bruce welcomes his former club Hull City to Villa Park to open the season before traveling to Cardiff City a week later. The Lions have already circled 28 October on their calendar — the date they travel to face bitter rivals Birmingham City. The clubs drew 1-1 in the corresponding fixture last season.

Villa’s holiday schedule includes a trip to Brentford on Boxing Day — where they were smacked 3-0 last season — and a New Years Day game at Villa Park against Bristol City. The second rendition of the Second City derby takes place on 10 February, which Villa won 1-0 last season.

Steve Bruce’s boys finish their season with a trip to newly promoted Millwall on 6 May. The clubs last met in January 2013 in the FA Cup fourth round, with Millwall earning a 2-1 home win courtesy of an 89^th minute John Marquis goal.

http://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/pub-facts-8.mp4