Darren Bent makes exciting Aston Villa claim ahead of the new season

Aston Villa have enjoyed an outstanding year to date, and things are looking good ahead of the new season.

The Villans were superb in the second half of last term, securing a Europa Conference League spot.

Indeed, for a while it looked like Villa could’ve even got themselves into the Europa League.

This summer, the Villans have made a number of high-profile signings that have improved the squad.

As a result, plenty of pundits are feeling optimistic about how Villa will fare in the 2023-24 campaign.

TalkSPORT pundit Darren Bent has claimed that the Villans are “the team to watch” next season.

He fancies Villa to push for a Champions League place “for long spells” of the campaign.

“Villa is the team to watch,” Bent said on talkSPORT when asked about his dark horse for this season.

“I think when you look at their recruitment and what they’re doing with Unai Emery…

“I’m not saying they’re going to win the league because I don’t think they will.

“But I think they’ll be a lot closer to Europe.

“Maybe even push it for long spells, the Champions League, so I’d probably say Villa are my outside bet.”

Our view

Villa fans should be excited by how their club has fared this year and in the close season.

Youri Tielemans was first through the door, the Villans snapping up the Belgian on a free transfer.

Pau Torres then followed, and then Moussa Diaby turned down the Saudi Pro League to join Villa.

In the boardroom, Monchi has joined from Sevilla, and he has certainly hit the ground running at B6.

Next season will likely be one of the most competitive ever in the upper levels of the Premier League.

Manchester City are nigh-on unstoppable, while title rivals Arsenal have strengthened significantly.

Manchester United and Newcastle, who finished in the top four, have made several strong signings apiece.

And Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool floundered last term but they’ve strengthened and are intent on rising back up.

With that in mind, top six for Villa would be an outstanding achievement. And they’re certainly well-placed to do it.