Premier League 2013-14: Season Predictions

Aston Villa

Simply put, last season was one that Villa's fans and players do not want to go through again. 11 points in their last 8 games was enough for the Villains to escape the trap door and send Wigan through it. On the back of May, manager Paul Lambert has been extremely busy in transfer market to make positive steps towards an improved season. Alexander Tonev and Leandro Bacuna have been brought in from the continent to add to the midfield. Simlarly, Jones Okore and Antonio Luna have come to add vital experience to a defence that struggled for confidence at times. Plus, Nicklas Helenius has come in from Aalborg to relieve some of the burden of last season's top scorer Christian Benteke. Villa's strength as I see it, is that it is team shot through with pace that can work to deadly effect on the counter-attack against teams. As soon as Villa could nab the ball and relieve pressure from defence, they would deploy it straight at the feet of pacy wingers Charles N'Zogbia and Gabby Agbonlahor and after they could either beat a man or provide a cross, then Benteke would use his strength to outmuscle opposing defenders and stick it in the back of the net. So, while Paul Lambert orchestrates from the sidelines, Ron Vlaar provides vital leadership to teach and encourage the young backline, who now have another year under their belts. Along with the academy churning out the likes of Jack Grealish, that've been integrated and starred in pre-season. Overall, with the signings made and the structure at the club secure, I think that long-term Villa can make a push for Europe, yet for this season a solid mid-table finish will suffice. Prediction: 10th