RADIO
Aston Villa is a founding member of the original Football League, from back in the 19th Century. A proud club in the UK's second city Birmingham, the club has been through difficult times in recent years, notably as a result of the tightening of the purse strings by Chairman Randy Lerner.
The appointment of new Manager Tim Sherwood late last season had an immediate impact. Never afraid to call upon young players, the Club was energized by a run to the FA Cup Final, including a notable victory against local rivals West Bromwich Albion. Villa used that run as a catalyst for improved league form and eventual safety.
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This season offers more challenges for the club. At time of this writing, the future of stalwart central defender Ron Vlaar seems very much in doubt with a move to Lazio in Rome pending. The future of Christian Benteke is also in doubt should his 32 million pounds buy out clause ($40 million+) be met. Liverpool are potential suitors for his signature and have money to burn after their sale of Raheem Sterling. The spine of the team, so important to a successful club, is therefore very much open to change, and Sherwood and his new assistant coach Ray Wilkins have much to do.
Brad Guzan would currently appear to have regained his Number 1 spot as goalkeeper. Defensively, a key addition has taken place in the form of Micah Richards, a player with undoubted talent, but who has perhaps not yet achieved his potential. He is a sound addition to the ranks, and a player we think will perform well this season. A former England international, Richards is still very ambitious and returns to the EPL after a season on loan at Fiorentina. He can show his quality and could very well be in the England reckoning for the European Championships next summer.
Jack Grealish, at 19 years of age, was a revelation when brought into the first team. He will need to continue to display his undoubted talent and hopefully put his off the field antics behind him. He is a talented young man with a big future, provided he can focus on his efforts accordingly. The addition of Idrissa Gueye from Lille will add extra guile to the midfield areas this season. He comes to the EPL with a big reputation as one of the best young players in the French league last season. He could be an attractive proposition in value terms for fantasy play.
Villa's season will very much depend on the ability to recruit in the attacking areas of the field. From a fantasy perspective, if they do make a big investment to replace Benteke, or if he remains at the club, then at least expect the attacking player to get lots of game time. The lack of rotation of the strikers will enhance their value for a fantasy league selection.
Prediction: There will be three sides worse than Villa this season, but there will be difficult times ahead.
Key Performers: Defender: Micah Richards, Midfield: Idrissa Gueye, Strikers: Christian Benteke or whoever may arrive in the coming weeks.
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