Aston Villa survived the drop quite comfortably in the end last year, but it was all thanks to their star striker Christian Benteke, who is staying at Villa Park in the long term. The Midlanders have made some decent signings in the transfer window and I’m sure they will be aiming for a top 12 finish.
Predicted finish: 14th
Predicted Main Man – Yacouba Sylla
Predicted Flop of the Year – Brad Guzan
Squad
Goalkeepers: Grade B+
Brad Guzan
Jed Steer
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| Benteke has commited his future to Villa. (via SportsDirect) |
Shay Given
Defenders: Grade D
Nathan Baker
Joe Bennett
Ron Vlaar
Jores Okore
Ciaran Clark
Antonio Luna
Matthew Lowton
Enda Stevens
Alan Hutton
Midfielders: Grade C+
Daniel Johnson
Leandro Bacuna
Karim El Ahmadi
Marc Albrighton
Ashley Westwood
Fabian Delph
Chris Herd
Yacouba Sylla
Gary Gardner
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| Paul Lambert is leading a young revolution. (via AVFC) |
Aleksandar Tonev
Samir Carruthers
Charles N’Zogbia
Stephen Ireland
Barry Bannan
Forwards: Grade C-
Christian Benteke
Darren Bent
Nathan Delfouneso
Andreas Weimann
Gabby Agbonlahor
Jordan Bowery
Nicklas Helenius
Graham Burke
Verdict:
Last season was a rollercoaster season for the claret-and blues, but they would have been relegated by Christmas had it not been for Belgian starlet Christian Benteke. Paul Lambert recieved a lot of stick for the position he got Villa into, but he saved his job with a smart piece of business in the summer. He wasnt the only young Belgian striker in the Midlands though.
They should be rock solid in the back and for me, last season was just a bit of a bad luck season for Dutchman Ron Vlaar after a dismal Euro 2012. I expect him to command the back line like a true leader and he will probably partner 20-year old Danish centre back Jores Okore or Ciaran Clarke, who is consistent.
The Villains have serious pace to exploit through forgotten men Charles N’Zogbia and Marc Albrighton, so I wonder if they will be recalled by Lambert. If they do, it would mean that Christian Benteke could be playing up front with Yacouba Sylla behind him and the wide men cutting in to help out. Fabian Delph, Karim El Ahmadi or Leandro Bacuna could stay and guard the defence.
Villa’s striking options are brilliant when you consider they have two England capped strikers, one of the hottest young properties in England, and the exciting young Andreas Weimann. They have also recruited Nicklas Helenius this season so I expect either one or both of Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor to leave Villa Park this summer.
Overall, I think even though they will be targeting a top 12/top 10 finish, it is far too early for that and this team need time to gel and develop a game plan. They should comfortably survive this season though, and I have a sneaky feeling that they are not yet done with spending yet.
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| Aston Villa’s young guns have gained valuable lessons from last campaign. (via SportsDirect) |
By Waqar Hussain
TheSportMatrix.com
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