We take a look at Aston Villa’s prospects leading up to the new Premier league Season.
Manager: Paul Lambert
Stadium: Villa Park – 43,786
Nickname: The Villans
2011/12 League Position: 16th
Summer Signings
Brett Holman – AZ Alkmaar – Free
Karim Al Ahmadi – Feyenoord – £2.0m
Matthew Lowton – Sheffield United – £3.0m
Ron Vlaar – Feyenoord – Undisclosed
Key Players
Darren Bent – Bent was injured for the majority of last season. Now he’s back to full fitness again and ready to score the goals Villa dearly missed last time round.
Charles N’Zogbia – The winger had a quiet first season at the club, but we all know how good he can be from his days at Wigan. He’ll be looking to prove himself at Villa Park
Shay Given – Given had a disastrous summer with Ireland at Euro 2012, he’ll be looking to make up for this at club level. The 36 year old is still a great goalkeeper, he’ll be vital for Villa this season.
Likely Line-Up
Team Tactics
- Lambert is famous for changing his formations, but he should start with 4-3-1-2.
- Bannan and new signing El Ahmadi could come into the midfield to improve Villa’s ability to keep possession.
- Holman, Weimann and Agbonlahor will all battle to partner Bent upfront.
Opening Fixtures
August 18th West Ham (A), 25th Everton (H), September 2nd Newcastle (A), 15th Swansea (H), 22nd Southampton (A), 30th West Brom (H)
Verdict
The capture of Paul Lambert was a coup for Randy Lerner but unless he makes transfer funds available I can’t see them doing very well. They lack goalscorers and I think they could struggle this season. 20th