Aston Villa impressed a lot of people with their performances in the Premier League last season. Dean Smith didn’t rest on his laurels after losing his captain, Jack Grealish to Man City and managed to spend on acquiring a number of quality players to bolster his attacking options for this campaign.
The Villans successfully brought in Danny Ings from Southampton, Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City and Leon Bailey from Bayer 04 Leverkusen during the summer transfer period. Therefore, the Villa supporters have every reason to be excited about their team’s chances of having another solid season in domestic football.
4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Strongest Lineup With All Their New Summer Signings Included
Defence
Emiliano Martinez will operate in between the sticks for the Villans as he remains Smith’s undisputed first-choice keeper. Ezri Konsa has struck up a dominant defensive partnership with Tyrone Mings, so we can expect them to be regular starters at the heart of the Villa backline this season.
Matty Cash will be a nailed-on starter at right-back following Frédéric Guilbert’s loan move to Strasbourg on deadline day. Matt Targett would probably get the nod to function on the other side as Smith’s primary left-back ahead of Ashley Young who would offer cover on the bench.
Midfield
We can expect Douglas Luiz to edge out Marvelous Nakamba in the race to earn a regular spot in Smith’s first XI. The Brazilian talent will anchor the midfield along with John McGinn as the energetic duo look to perform at a high level for the Villans this season. Leon Bailey will be expected to secure a regular starting berth on the left wing ahead of Anwar El Ghazi while Emiliano Buendia looks to carry most of his side’s creative workload from the right.
Danny Ings could be asked to play as an attacking midfielder/secondary striker to make room for Ollie Watkins up top. He has made a positive start to life at Villa Park after finding the back of the net twice and grabbing one assist in three league appearances for his new employers so far.
Attack
Watkins could once again lead the charge for the West Midlands outfit regularly after the international break. He proved his worth as a capable goal-getter last season and would be responsible for forming a productive attacking partnership with Danny Ings in the final third.
