Bruce: I need win

Steve Bruce. PA Wire

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Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has dismissed speculation about his job security as "ridiculous" following a winless start to the campaign.

Second-bottom Villa host Norwich today having taken a solitary point from their three opening Sky Bet Championship matches.

Despite feeling the criticism is premature, Bruce admits he needs a victory against the Canaries at Villa Park.

"(Pressure) comes with the territory," he said at his pre-match press conference. "It is quite ridiculous after a week.

"I shouldn't have to judge myself after such a short time. I have to ride the storm.

"We all want a good start and managers dread a bad start. The pressure is big at this club - I need a win on Saturday to shut them up." There is a mouth-watering match in prospect in Saturday's late kick-off with Sunderland set to host Leeds.

Black Cats boss Simon Grayson has called for home supporters to make the Stadium of Light a hostile place to visit ahead of the clash with one of his former clubs.

"It's an unbelievable atmosphere when it gets going and the Derby game highlighted that, because I thought the supporters were excellent. And hopefully come Saturday - and throughout the season - they come in their numbers and make it a difficult place for the opposition to come," Grayson said.

Meanwhile, in last night's Championship clash, Harry Redknapp's Birmingham City enjoyed a win at local rivals Burton Albion.