Season Preview - Aston Villa.

Average Villa. Everything about Aston Villa just screamed average last season. They managed to only win 10 games, lose 20 games and draw the remaining 8 fixtures. That means they finished with a poor points total of 38, the same amount of points they would have achieved if they had drawn every single game. You’re probably thinking that this sounds below average statistically but realistically; Aston Villa had an unlucky season. They were unlucky not to beat Liverpool at Anfield, unlucky not to get a point at Goodison Park, unlucky to get beat twice by Crystal Palace and unlucky to lose key player Christian Benteke at a pivotal point in the season. Who knows what this season holds for one of the Premier League originals.

Transfers.

Last season, Aston Villa had a typical window for a mid-table side. They released a lot of players who just were not cutting it at the highest level, and replaced them with young players with potential, buying the likes of Leandro Bacuna, Libor Kozak and Jores Okore. Unfortunately for Villa, it was only Bacuna who made any impact managing to score 5 goals last season despite playing as a central midfielder, right back and right winger. Libor Kozak also looked promising but an injury halted his campaign and stopped any chances of him becoming a real threat in the Premier League.

This season, Aston Villa have had what has to be considered a poor window so far. Their only good signing has been the coup of Kieran Richardson, who signed on a free transfer from the relegated Fulham side who were lacklustre at best last campaign. Other than that, there have been no notable signings other than Senderos and Joe Cole, both are getting on a bit now and are showing no real signs of being consistently good first team players.  Luckily for Aston Villa, there is plenty of time for them to get new players in and they are being linked to players like Ki of Swansea and other young players from around the world. I’m sure every Villa fan will agree with me when I say that no matter who they sign, one of the deciding factors in their season will be if they can manage to keep hold of Benteke, who will undoubtedly be a figurehead in ensuring a top half finish for Aston Villa.

Predicted Lineup.

As you can see Aston Villa are in desperate need of some key signings. With no real right midfielder to play, Villa will most likely be stuck with Joe Cole or Tonev playing there for most of the season, unless Bacuna is called upon to take the position of Right Winger. Other than that, Aston Villa have an ok side with an average defence, average midfield and slightly above average attack. They definitely won’t be relegation contenders, but probably won’t be troubling the teams at the top.

Squad Depth.

SHAY GIVEN, ALAN HUTTON, NATHAN BAKER, JORES OKORE, PHILLIPE SENDEROS, ANTONIO LUNA. ASHLEY WESTWOOD and DARREN BENT are just some of the other players at Aston Villa and possibly the best squad rotation options they have available. They don’t have very good squad depth but players like Darren Bent and Shay Given are already experienced at the highest level and could be called upon at any point in the season.

Final Predicted Finish: 14th.

Another average season is in store for Aston Villa, they will have their moments and memorable victories no doubt, but lack of squad depth and quality in numerous positions could mean any sort of injury will scream trouble for the club. However, Aston Villa do have the element of surprise on their side as nobody expects them to do anything this season so they will play without pressure, meaning they could shock the Premiership this season and achieve a top half finish if they play to their absolute best. But let’s not get too excited now, after all Aston Villa seem to be stuck in one place and will find it difficult to sign players of a high calibre given their history and current reputation.

Key Player: Christian Benteke.

It’s no shock to anyone that follows the Premier League when I say that Benteke will be crucial to Villa’s season. His goals and all round quality will prove decisive and any injury to the Belgian could end all hope and ambition for the mid-table side.

Coming Soon… Burnley.

By @nathan_said