Barclays Premier League 2011/12 Preview - Aston Villa

Aston Villa

Manager: Alex McLiesh

Captain: Stiliyan Petrov

Last Season: 9^th

In:

Shay Given – Manchester City - £3.3 million

Charles N’Zogbia – £9.5 million

Out:

Ashley Young – Manchester United - £15.8 million

Stewart Downing – Liverpool – £20 million

Brad Friedel – Tottenham – Free

Isaiah Osbourne – Free

Robert Pires – Free

Nigel Reo-Coker – Bolton Wanderers - Free

Transfers correct as of 8/8/2011

This Season:

I see this as a transitional season for Villa, they finished 9^th last season and I expect more of the same this season.

They cashed in on Stewart Downing, for a tidy £20 million sum and picked up an excellent replacement in eccentric winger Charles N’Zogbia. Ashley Young parted ways and joined Manchester United in one of the more dignified transfers of the summer, as well as getting rid of some of the deadwood from the last season’s squad, while bringing in one of the best goalkeeper’s in the Premiership.

I may not be Alex McLeish’s biggest fan, it’s evident he’s a firm believer in team work and working with a solid defensive foundation, the ingredients which helped him lead Birmingham to Carling Cup glory last season, but subsequently ended in relegation. It remains to be seen how he’ll do this season, but he’ll look to re-establish himself as a good manager, and take this Aston Villa team back to the brink of Europe, which they were close to a couple of seasons ago.

A top ten finish is a strong possibility, competing for the Europe League positions. They still have their sold defensive base, also with several quality midfielders. The addition of Charles N’Zogbia will replace some of the departed creativity, as well as experience and ability in Shay Given, McLeish should look to add a striker and Villa will surely secure a top 10 finish.

Prediction: 9^th

Best Starting XI

One to watch this season: Marc Albrighton

How do you think Aston Villa will do this season? Leave a comment below, or vote in our poll.

Real Talk Football

Premier League Preview - Aston Villa

Aston Villa

Aston Villa had a very good season last year competing for a top four spot, but ultimately ended up missing out, finishing in an impressive 6th place. This time round, manager Martin O’Neill aims to build on the success of last year and compete with the newly strengthened clubs in order to establish their quest for European football.

Aston Villa reached the Semi final of the FA Cup last season, losing to eventual winners Chelsea, while also reaching the Carling Cup final and finding themselves unlucky losing to Manchester United 2-1 at Wembley.

The midlands club have a very well balanced and attacking side, with the likes of James Milner, Ashley Young, Stilyian Petrov and Stewart Downing particularly impressing last year and expecting to progress this season, with another strong cup run a possibility.



Key Player: Ashley Young

The 25 year old former Watford striker has been superb for Villa since joining 3 years ago, and is on the verge of becoming a regular within the England squad. He has over 120 appearances under his belt, with 23 goals and countless assists to add. Despite queries from Tottenham, Young pledged his immediate future to Aston Villa, and continue their pursuit of trophies.



Manager: Martin O’Neill

Key Signing: James Milner

Resigning James Milner, if not signing any other recruits, is of the upmost importance. Milner staying with Villa will not only be good for Martin O’Neill’s men, but good for football. With Manchester City attempting to sign every player under the sun, Milner will settle for a part time role in the squad rather than the first name on the team sheet.

Aims: Europa League qualification and a strong cup run

Prediction: 8th

Despite a 6th place finish last season, the considerable investment in both Everton and Man City, as well as the return to stability for Liverpool and the talented Tottenham side, I would put Villa beneath all these teams, unless a class forward is brought in. Martin O’Neill will motivate his Villa side for the big games, but they may struggle to beat the best opposition. A successful run in all the competition is definitely Villa’s best bet.

First Five Fixtures: West Ham (H), Newcastle (A), Everton (H), Stoke (A, Bolton (H)

Best 11

PFA Team of the Year 2009/2010

Manchester United Striker Wayne Rooney picked up PFA player of the Year, as many of you voted for, and saw the news posted last night on our Facebook page. Aston Villa’s James Milner picked up the Young Player of the Year award also.

The PFA of the Premier League also named their team of the season last night, and here’s the team in detail:

Joe Hart - Goalkeeper

Club: Birmingham (on loan from Man City)
Played: 34 games
Clean Sheets with the Club: 10

The young Englishman has been excellent between the sticks for promoted side Birmingham and was fundamental to keeping the midland’s club in the Premiership, helping them to achieve a club record 15 games unbeaten run. The 23 year old is now being converted by the likes of Arsenal, while a return to Man City is most likely. He is now on the brink of the England 1st team and is expected to travel to South Africa this summer. This loan move has undoubtedly been successful, so much so the likes of Manchester United’s Ben Foster should get off the United bench and take note.

Branislav Ivanovic – Right Back

Club: Chelsea FC
Played: 26 games
Clean Sheets with the Club: 16

Was linked with Real Madrid in the January window but decided to stay with the Premier League leaders due to an extended run in the 1st team. Although a centre back by trade, the Serbian has easily slotted in at right back filling in for the likes of the injured Jose Bosingwa and Paulo Ferreira, and has been one of Chelsea’s most influential players.

Thomas Vermaelen – Centre Back

Club: Arsenal FC
Played: 33 games
Clean Sheets with the Club: 13
Goals: 7

The Belgian has been brilliant for Arsenal this season, making the transition from Dutch Side Ajax to the Gunners with relative ease. One transfer which slipped under the radar with Wenger paying more than normal, £10million. However the defender played every game for Arsenal this season until his unfortunate sending off against West Ham earned him a one match ban, and a calf injury against Tottenham ended his season. Now regarded as the best defender in the Arsenal side, chipping in with 7 goals in the process, he can expect to be the key man at the back for many years to come.

Richard Dunne – Centre Back

Club: Aston Villa
Played: 35 games
Clean Sheets with the Club: 15

The Irish defender suffered heart break when the hand of Henry put the Republic of Ireland out of the World Cup, but he steadily recovered to help his side reach both the League Cup Final and Carling Cup Semi Final. He has also helped Villa challenge for the Champions League spot, while Martin O’Neill’s men are more likely to qualify for the Europa League. No failure none the less, while more of a personal achievement for Dunne himself, as he was ousted from Man City in favour of Kolo Toure, Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott. Dunne is now respected as one of the most improved and most consistant defenders in the Premiership gaining acknowledgement from both Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

Patrice Evra – Left Back

Club: Manchester United
Played: 36 games
Assists: 3
Clean Sheets with the Club: 17

Somewhat of a suspect singing four years ago, he has started every Premier League game this season, helping Man United challenge the the Premiership, helping United win the Carling Cup along the way. Going forward; superb, defensively; more so, the Frenchman is now rightfully considered the best in the World.

James Milner – Left Midfielder

Club: Aston Villa
Played: 34 games
Goals: 7 Assists: 12

The second Aston Villa player on the list, and another man ready to go to the 2010 World Cup. Milner has been in excellent form this year, collecting the PFA Young Player of the Year Award to boot. The midfielder’s versatility is that which has improved his overall game, with the ability to play both left and right midfield, or even as a central midfielder. At the age of 24, he has many more years to come playing at the top level.

Cesc Fabregas - Centre Midfield

Club: Arsenal
Played: 27 games
Goals: 15 Assists: 13

The stats speak for themselves; the Spaniard has had his best season on the field for the Gunners and can find himself very unlucky not to be collecting any silver wear this season. The Arsenal captain has been instrumental in the attacking prowess of the Gunners and can expect a very successful season next year as long as the club stays injury free and significantly strengthens it options.

Darren Fletcher - Centre Midfield

Club: Manchester United
Played: 28 games
Goals: 3 Assists: 4

The industrious midfielder is known for his hassling and hurrying play, keeping some of the most influential and talented midfielders in the World quiet! Sorely missed in last year’s Champions League final the Scottish international is a fully fledged fan favourite at Old Trafford and is arguably the first name on the team sheet in Ferguson’s mind. Has held down the central midfield role this year, ahead of Michael Carrick, Darren Gibson, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves (although injuries haven’t helped the latter’s situations). A future Man Utd captain? Only time will tell.

Antonio Valencia - Right Midfield

Club: Manchester United
Played: 34 games
Goals: 5 Assists: 7

The £16million signing from Wigan was linked with Manchester United for a very long time, even before Cristiano left. Now unfortunately he will always be compared the 80 million pound man as he was brought in directly after CR9 jumped ship to Real Madrid, but with this team of the year recognition, he clearly has done a commendable job. The Ecuadorian has done very well for United this season with his direct running and technique, with undoubtedly his crossing ability his strongest attribute. Valencia needs to significantly needs to improve his finishing, but he is becoming a very good player for the club and at the age of 25, has a long future at Old Trafford.

Didier Drogba - Striker

Club: Chelsea
Played: 30 games
Goals: 25 Assists: 10

The first of the dream partnership up front, Chelsea’s number 11, Didier Drogba. Chelsea now look odds on favourites to pick up the Premier League and FA Cup titles, while Drogba has been the focal point to this success. Almost the complete striker, he has power, touch, presence, prowess, technique, ability in abundance, you name it, the 32 has it, and he doesn’t look like slowing up any time soon. He is a match winner, and has been vital to Chelsea over the past few seasons. Expect him to play significantly well with the Ivory Coast at the World Cup and spring a few surprises. To read more about the African star, click here.

Wayne Rooney - Striker

Club: Manchester United
Played: 30 games
Goals: 26 Assists: 3

Again, one of the best strikers in the World, and England’s World Cup hope. The striker has been brilliant for Manchester United this season, scoring winners in many vital games, including the winner against Aston Villa in the Carling Cup final. The 24 year old also possesses excellent pace, acceleration, power and determination, but most impressively standing at just 5ft 10in he has scored numerous headed goals this season. Expect more to come this summer and beyond. For more on Rooney click here.

That’s the in-depth player information regarding the PFA awards. Let me know whether you agree with this list of if you feel any players were missing. Lampard? Darren Bent? Michael Dawson maybe? Let me know what you think

PFA Awards - Premier League

PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

The Professional Football Association has named their shortlist for both the Young Player of the Year, and most importantly the Player of the Year awards. Currently BBC have just solely concentrated on Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, stating his is “among” the nominees. Affectively making him the favourite, and with nothing against Wayne Rooney or Man United, but why are the BBC acting as if they other players already don’t matter... a technique used in covering the 2010 World Cup so far, as if with Rooney, and Rooney alone, England will win the biggest trophy in football, while standing no chance without him... Anyways that another argument for another day, but for now let’s look at the candidates, in which you can cast your vote of who you think should win on the right hand side:

PFA Player of the Year

Didier Drogba

Age: 31
Club: Chelsea
Nationality: Ivorian



In case you missed my special on the star striker earlier this year, then click here. The stats speak for themselves; one of the best strikers in the World, and a vital cog in the Chelsea machine seemingly charging towards their third Premiership title. Drogba has led Chelsea to the FA Cup final; facing relegated Portsmouth, while the blues are currently sitting atop of the league, 6 points clear.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 28
Scored: 25
Assists: 8

Cesc Fabregas

Age: 22
Club: Arsenal
Nationality: Spanish



The Spanish midfielder has had his best season for the Gunners so far this year, and has finally progressed into the game changing player he needs in order to be considered World Class. He dragged Arsenal back from the death against Barcelona and was undoubtedly missed for the 2nd leg. He is currently the second highest scoring midfielder in the Premier League, behind Frank Lampard, and is one ahead of the Chelsea player in the Assist rankings. The Arsenal number four’s season came to an abrupt end after he fractured his leg against Barcelona, but still had a significant enough impact to lead the Gunners to a Champions League spot and a top 3 finish in the Premiership.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 27
Scored: 15
Assists: 13

Wayne Rooney

Age: 24
Club: Manchester United
Nationality: English



The England striker has had his best ever season so far as a player, scoring a total of 34 goals in 41 games, with 29 coming in the league. Even though Manchester United only look to be collecting the Carling Cup this season, it’s clear he’s filled Cristiano Ronaldo’s boots since his departure to Real Madrid, and is now the key man at Old Trafford.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 29
Scored: 26
Assists: 3

Carlos Tevez

Age: 26
Club: Manchester City
Nationality: Argentinean



What can be said about the temperamental Argentinean? Sparked up rivalries between himself and Ferguson, the two sides of Manchester, himself and Gary Neville, and then his Man City “Team Bridge” against John Terry’s Chelsea! The man has been involved in everything this season. However to the most important matter regarding Tevez, his performances on the pitch. Brought in by Mark Hughes, he flourished under Roberto Mancini, scoring 22 goals in 30 games, with 7 assists; carry Man City’s charge to 4th and final Champions League place.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 30
Scored: 22
Assists: 7

PFA Young Player of the Year

Joe Hart

Age: 23
Club: Birmingham City (On loan from Manchester City)
Nationality: English



The third Englishman on the list, and currently one of the best goalkeepers in the league. According to ESPN.com Hart has played 32 Premier League games this season, making 118 saves and keeping 9 clean sheets. He already has one full international cap for England and is expected to compete for the number one spot in the near future.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 32
Clean Sheets: 9

James Milner

Age: 24
Club: Aston Villa
Nationality: English



Milner has been excellent for Aston Villa, helping his side reach the FA Cup semi final and the Carling Cup final. Also Villa were fighting a Champions league spot, but a Europa League spot looks a lot more realistic. Milner is also expected to be in the 23 man squad heading to South Africa later this year.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 31
Scored: 5
Assists: 12

Cesc Fabregas

Age: 22
Club: Arsenal
Nationality: Spanish



See above for more, but the 22 year old Arsenal Captain has been excellent for the Gunners this season.

Wayne Rooney

Age: 24
Club: Manchester United
Nationality: English



See above for more, but at the age of 24 can he still be considered young? Either or, he is up for both and deservedly so.

Who do you feel should win the awards? Click to vote on the right or leave a comment below