Premier League Club By Club Preview: Aston Villa

Last Season: 16th.
Well, what can I say? That season was one of Villa's worst in a long, long time. Following Gerard Houlier's departure as manager, he was replaced by former manager of Villa's close rivals Birmingham, Alex McLeish. Having lead Birmingham to League Cup glory and the ignominy of relegation in the one season, many Villa fans expressed concerns about the appointment by breaking into and vandalising the training ground. Whilst I do not condone those actions of the fans, I must admit they were probably right, taking performances from last season into account. McLeish didn't have lady luck on his side with the quantity of injuries his side suffered, however, this doesn't account for the amount of times N'Zogbia was seated on the bench even though he was fit. McLeish also never played the quick counter attacking 'Villa Way' and was more keen on 'Route 1' football, much to the disgust of the fans. Having not delivered any long cup runs to compensate for poor league form, it wasn't a surprise to anybody when Alex McLeish was relieved of his duties at the end of the season.



Manager: Paul Lambert

Paul Lambert joined Norwich in quite odd circumstances, when his Colchester side beat Norwich 7-1 on the opening day of the season, the manager at the time Bryan Gunn was sacked following this. Norwich weren't long searching for their new manager, with Paul Lambert appointed within days of this, it was clear Norwich didn't want to be spending too long in League 1. Paul Lambert successfully lived up to all expectations by guiding Norwich to the Championship at his first time of asking. Not only that, but in his first season in the Championship, Lambert guided the Canaries on their way a second promotion in two years by finishing runners up in the Championship. Having impressed with Norwich during his first year in the Premier League as a manager, Lambert faces a completely different task and will not be working for a set of fans as family-like, as the Norwich City fans.

Chances Of Being Sacked: 2/10
After the long pursuit of Lambert this summer I really can't see Villa being too keen to sack one of the hottest prospects in British management. With an ability to motivate his team better than most managers in the Premier League and a desire to play football in the manner which the general public wishes to see, I can't see the fans being too keen to rid of him, as they may see it as a relief following the 'Lump It' football played by Alex McLeish last season.

Captain: Stiliyan Petrov

Having been diagnosed with leukaemia in March of last season, it became clear to me how influential 'Stan' actually was to this Aston Villa squad. Having been retained as the club captain by Paul Lambert for the coming season, even though it is unsure, even to the club website, as to whether Petrov will appear this season, one thing which is for certain is that, Petrov is highly respected in the Villa setup and by all in the footballing world.

Summer 2012 Window: 
IN:Ron Vlaar (undisclosed, from Feyenoord)

With a reputation as a stereotypical Dutch 'hard man' at the back, Ron Vlaar comes into Villa with high expectations. Replacing the 'out of date' James Collins, Vlaar looks to me like he was the most essential of Villa's signings this summer. Having been part of the Dutch team which suffered a shock exit in the Euro 2012 group stage and was 'run ragged' by Cristiano Ronaldo, it is called into question how able Vlaar is to play at the very 'top level'.

Matthew Lowton (£3m, from Sheffield United)

Having featured in 52 games last season for Sheffield United, there is a high level of hope for this 23 year old. Lowton comes in looking to replace Alan Hutton, who has been far from Premier League standard, even nPower Championship standards, over recent seasons. Lowton is Lambert's only signing from the lower leagues so far this summer, which is surprising looking at his signings at Norwich. If Lambert sticks to working off a controlled budget he may please Lerner but may not excite the fans.

Karim El Ahmadi (undisclosed, from Feyenoord)

Ahmadi is a player who I know very little about to be completely honest. Ahmadi who is 6 ft 1, is known around Holland as a tireless midfielder who is not afraid to get involved in a tough tackle. Having spent last season on loan at Al Ahli, it could be argued as to whether this somewhat unknown quantity can make the required step up to become a quality Premier League defensive midfielder.

Brett Holman (free, from AZ Alkmaar)

Having made a major impact on Dutch football since joining Feyenoord in 2002, the addition of Holman to the Villa squad makes him seem to me like a great piece of business. This deal was done prior to McLeish's exit from Villa Park but his addition may be one good lasting reminder of his time at Villa. I've seen Holman described as 'energetic' fitting in well with the Alex McLeish style. Having won an Eredevise medal with AZ Alkmaar, I think Holman could end up being a steal for the club.

OUT:
Carlos Cuellar (free, to Sunderland)
Emile Heskey (released)
James Collins (undisclosed, to West Ham)

                                           Possible XI


With me being quite unsure as to what philosophy Lambert will take at Villa there are some changes which could happen. I'll list the possible ones below.

Is he Dunne?
Having been part of the Irish side who fell below the low expectations the world had of them entering Euro 2012, it is a possibility that Richard Dunne may be the player to leave the first 11 as rumours build that Villa are about to sign a left back. Should this be true, I think Clark will move into centre back as Villa look to build on their youth system.

His place is not a Given.
With question marks being raised as to Shay Given's current ability, I feel his place in the team is not certain following the news that back up Brad Guzan has signed a 3 year contract. At the age of 36, Shay Given's days are limited and should he continue on his decline, I can't see Given playing in the Premier League for too much longer and maybe a trip back to his boyhood club, Celtic would suit him better.

Delph still is Fab-ian.
One must surely believe after years of not breaking into the first team, his days are numbered. Tipped as one of England's hottest prospects when he joined Villa, Delph will surely get fed up of sitting in the shadows of other youngsters like Bannan, Gardner and Herd. I feel the spot in the Central midfield beside El Ahmadi is wide open for any four of the players listed above but of the four I think Lambert will be keen to allow Delph to show his undoubted ability.

Goalscorer: 
Well I'm not Darren Bent's biggest fan but it is clear to us all, without him they could be embroiled in a relegation battle. Having cost Villa £18-24 million it could be argued that this is the least we should expect. Should Bent bring back form he had at Sunderland I see a very good opportunity for Villa to get into the top half. The England international will also want to force his way back into the English side, however difficult the challenge is.

Aston Villa's top scorer odds:
Darren Bent 4/7
Gabriel Agbonlahor 9/2
Andreas Weimann and Charles N'Zogbia 8/1

Prediction: 12th.
Villa have made an incredible number of changes to their setup this summer. Taking this sense of change into account, I feel that they may start the season quite poorly but with Lambert's experience of turning club's around after poor seasons they will only be able to grow into the season. This year may not be the season Villa fans witness the positive effect of this managerial change, however, this change will be extremely positive in future seasons. Expect reasonably good cup runs for Villa in the Capital One Cup and the FA Cup, but don't expect European football.

(Odds via Skybet 10/8/12)