Aston Villa are back in the Premier League following three seasons in the Championship. Many believe the former European Cup winners are back where they belong and Villa will be looking to solidify their place at English football’s top table.
The Premier League is widely regarded as the toughest league in the world however with shrewd recruitment and realistic targets, Aston Villa should thrive in England’s top flight once again.
Last season
Following a slow start to the season, Villa went on club record 10-match winning streak across March and April which catapulted them into contention for promotion. The club were eventually promoted via the play-offs after defeating Derby County 2-1 in the final.
Steve Bruce was sacked as a result of Villa’s poor start to the campaign and Dean Smith was appointed as manager in October 2018. The boyhood Villa supporter masterminded their promotion push and transformed the team with his exciting and attacking approach.
Next season
Fulham's recruitment policy last season is a prime example of what a not to do as a newly promoted club. Following their promotion back to the Premier League, there was a complete overhaul of the squad and this ultimately worked against them as they were relegated after just one season.
It is vital for newly promoted clubs to keep the core of the team that got them promoted and Villa have done just that. They have already been busy in the summer transfer window, turning the loan deals of Tyronne Mings and Anwar El Ghazi into permanent signings whilst adding quality in other areas.
Tammy Abraham bagged 25 Championship goals last season whilst on loan from Chelsea however Frank Lampard may be keen to keep Abraham at Stamford Bridge next season considering the club’s transfer ban. Villa fans will be hoping that new arrival Wesley can fill Abraham’s boots and provide regular goals.
Aston Villa shouldn’t have a problem staying up next season. They are a well-equipped to establish themselves as a solid top-flight side once again and a club of Villa’s stature is capable of attracting big name players.
They begin their return to the Premier League with a tough opening match against Tottenham Hotspur. Home matches with Bournemouth and Everton come next and Dean Smith will see these as winnable fixtures to kick start their campaign.
Players in
Wesley - €25m from Club Brugge
Tyronne Mings - €22.3m from AFC Bournemouth
Matt Targett - €15.6m from Southampton
Ezri Konsa - €13.3m from Brentford
Anwar El Ghazi - €9m from LOSC Lille
Jota - €4.5m from Birmingham City
Kortney Hause - €3.4m from Wolverhampton Wanderers
Players out
Ritchie De Laet – Free to Royal Antwerp
Albert Adomah – Free to Nottingham Forest
Tommy Elphick – Free to Huddersfield
Gary Gardner – Undisclosed fee to Birmingham City
Mark Bunn – Released
Micha Richards – Released
Alan Hutton – Released
Glenn Whelan – Released
Mile Jedinak – Released
Ross McCormack – Released
Predicted league finish
14th. Aston Villa are expected to make a strong start to life back in the Premier League and relegation shouldn’t be a worry for the club.