Pre-Season Discussion: A Look Ahead to the Future: Aston Villa

Aston Villa required a late surge and a certain Christian Benteke to make sure that they avoided relegation and utmost humiliation. Manager Paul Lambert must understand that the Villa fans would not tolerate such a season ever again. The future of Christian Benteke may seem secure but the overall activity in the transfer market so far from Lambert may cause a lot of concern throughout the Midlands club. We take a look at expectations, previous season stats, transfer dealings and verdict on how the season will end if things do not change at Villa Park.

Season 2012/13

• Aston Villa finished 15th scoring 41 points, securing 10 wins, and enduring 17 losses. 
• Christian Benteke was top scorer for the Villians scoring 23 goals.
• Best win for Aston Villa was a demolition of Sunderland 6-0 at home.
• Brad Guzan won the Player of the season award

Transfers

Signings

 

Aleksandar Tonev (Lech Poznan) Undisclosed, Jores Okore (FC Nordsjaelland) Undisclosed, Leandro Bacuna (FC Groningen) Undisclosed, Nicklas Helenius (Aalborg BK) Undisclosed, Antonio Luna (Sevilla) Undisclosed, Jed Steer (Norwich) Undisclosed

 

Departures:

Richard Dunne (Queens Park Rangers) Free,  Jean II Makoun Released,  Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest) Free, Andy Marshall Released,  Brett Holman Released, Derrick Williams (Bristol City) Undisclosed

Although the number of signings is good the jury is still out on the quality of these names acquired. While players like Okore, Luna and Helenius may seem to be an upgrade on the current squad, it is very hard to grasp the over all impact Tonev, Steer or Bacuna will have on the team. While Veteran Richard Dunne has moved on, youngster Eric Lichaj and Brett Hollman have also been removed from the squad which is quite surprising knowing that Brett Holman made 27 appearances for the team last season while  Eric Lichaj made 17 appearances. 

Man to Watch

Christian Benteke

 

Christian Benteke's contract issues and transfer saga seem to be over now and he is staying at the club. That has to be good news for the faithful fans as apart from him the team lacks much needed spark from other departments of the squad. A young Villian squad require Benteke not only to stay but also to keep the form going for the team. On the back of a decent preseason there is every likelihood that the Belgian will keep his hot streak going for club. 

Verdict

Relegation Fight: 16th

Even though there is history and everything that says Villa should not be relegated, there is every chance that it might happen. Paul Lambert has made some signings this transfer window but none of them strike fear in to the hearts of teams who would be in and around Aston Villa in the relegation dog-fight. The overall quality of the squad has not improved and if they lose Benteke by some circumstance they are surely to be playing Championship football next season. For Paul Lambert he can not take any risks at all and has to get some players who have premier league experience; whether on cash deals or on loan deals but something has to happen in the coming two weeks or else it could be a devastating season for the Villians.