Football Season Guide

Unai Emery performed a near-miracle last season by transforming relegation candidates under Steven Gerrard into a Champions League side in only 17 months despite a relentless injury crisis and congested calendar. Villa finished fourth to clinch UCL football for the first time since the 1982/83 season and for the first time since the competition was rebranded from the European Cup. The summer transfer window has seen starters Moussa Diaby and Douglas Luiz leave and although the latter’s departure is a blow for Emery, Villa have brought in a solid Amadou Onana, who shined at Everton last season. Youngsters Ian Maatsen, Jaden Philogene and Lewis Dobbin also joined the team, with Ross Barkley providing the midfield with experience. Villa demonstrated last season that they had what it takes to juggle a Thursday-Sunday schedule and Emery is making sure that they will be able to do that again next term by adding depth to the squad. Despite trying to comply with the tough PSR rules, Aston Villa have managed to fill the gaps in the roster and it remains to be seen whether the new signings can cope with the pressure of the busy schedule. Villa’s attack was extraordinary last season, with Ollie Watkins finishing on 32 Premier League goal contributions and Leon Bailey taking his game to a whole new level. Yet, their defensive record will surely need improvement to compete for a Champions League spot again. In fact, only Norwich - who finished third in the inaugural Premier League campaign - have ever finished in the top four and conceded more goals.