Premier League 14/15: Team By Team Preview And Predictions

17. Aston Villa

Last Season: 15th Manager: Paul Lambert Opening Fixture: Stoke (a) Transfer Activity: Aston Villa have arguably underachieved during Paul Lambert's time as manager, and one criticism often thrown at him by Villa fans is that he relies too heavily on youth whilst disregarding more experienced players such as Darren Bent, Alan Hutton and Shay Given. Lambert has seemingly tried to address the issue this summer by bringing in several experienced players including Joe Cole (West Ham), Philippe Senderos (Valencia), Aly Cisshoko (Valencia) and Kieran Richardson (Fulham), and disposing of less experienced players including Jed Steer, Marc Albrighton, Nathan Delfouneso, Jordan Bowery, Yacouba Sylla, Antonio Luna and Nicklas Helenius. An in-form Cole, in particular, could prove to be an astute signing if he can stay fit, but Villa supporters will be hoping that the spending is far from over yet this summer. Possible Starting XI: Guzan; Hutton, Vlaar, Okora, Richardson; Westwood, Delph; Weimann; Cole, Agbonlahor; Benteke Key Player: Christian Benteke Verdict: Whether Aston Villa keep club captain Ron Vlaar amidst interest from Southampton could go a long way to determining whether they stay up this season, however they may find themselves embroiled in a relegation battle either way given their lack of eye-catching signings so far this summer. However, with the likes of Christian Benteke, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann amongst their ranks goals should not be hard to come by, and Paul Lambert has always favoured an attacking style of play. Their main issues could come at the back where they have a real lack of depth, although the return of Jores Okora after a long-term knee injury should provide a huge boost to the side. Overall Villa should have just enough to stay in the division, although it could go down to the wire. Prediction: 17th