Aston Villa

The Villains used to have major hopes of cracking what was the infamous 'big four,' under Martin O'Neill they of course came very close to this. But last season was no doubt one of transition, and with major changes this summer it could be very sticky this time round. Last season turned out a bit sour, but despite a controversial switch across the second city Alex McLeish could turn this sleeping giant round with a few shrewd signings.

Goalkeeper

This team have been blessed in this position for years, with Brad Friedel being once of the most consistent for years. However with the signing of Shay Given from Manchester City they have no doubt got one of the Premier League's finest. With a season of bench warming in Manchester though, it remains to be seen if the Irishman can regain top form once again.

Defence

Always a strong point for the side, and despite a few hiccups it was no different last season. Despite the criticisms Richard Dunne seems to have been revitalised in Birmingham, and has dug his side out of many a tough situation and can bag a few too. Carlos Cuellar could be moving on though, and he will need to be replaced before the season starts.

Midfield

With the losses of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing it is of no doubt that this is an area in need of strengthening. Charles N'Zogbia seems to be the man charged with that, but he cant perform miracles alone, despite how promising his talent is and he will need support. Midfield still seems a bit weak for this side, and expect to see McLeish stepping into the market for more troops in this position.

Forwards

On the outset it seems that Aston Villa are fine in this area, but there is a fine line between promising youngster and Premiership striker. Gabriel Agbonlahor is no doubt very talented, but it seems someone more prolific should be signed to partner Darren Bent up top. He can only bang the goals in so long and at some point will slump, all strikers do, it's at that point someone else need to pick up the mantle. And Villa just don't seem to have that at the moment.

Manager

Last season Aston Villa were rocked days before the start of the season, where O'Neill resigned leaving the side in peril. Gerard Houllier was charged with turned the tides, but more health problems followed and the Premier League dream failed to materialise. McLeish could well work wonders, but despite the Carling Cup win last year hasn't performed miracles in the Premiership. With a few good signings though Villa could well have a good year, Randy Lerner will have to loosen the purse strings though.

Areas to Strengthen

Wingers are more importantly creativity is severly lacking in this side, after the much hyped departures of Young and Downing. N'Zogbia seems a certainty, but it could perhaps be asking a little much for him to do it alone. A bit more firepower wouldn't be the worst thing either.

Expectations

After such high expectations over the last few seasons, Villa fans will no doubt be inflated once again. Realistically though, they should be happy if their side manager a solid top half finish. Something which they could no doubt build on next term.

Odds

400/1 (Sky Bet)

Players In

 Shay Given £3.5m (Manchester City) Charles N'Zogbia £9.5 (Wigan Athletic) Alan Hutton undisclosed (Tottenham Hotspur) Jermaine Jenas loan (Tottenham Hotspur)

Players Out

Ashley Young £15m (Manchester United) Stewart Downing £20m (Liverpool), Brad Friedel free (Tottenham Hotspur) Jonathan Hogg and Andreas Weimann undisclosed (Watford) Luke Young undisclosed (Queens Park Rangers) Nigel Reo-Coker John Carew Moustapha Salifou Robert Pires Isaiah Osbourne Harry Forrester Arsenio Halfhuid Durrell Berry Ellis Deeney Calum Flanagan (all released) Jean Makoun loan (Olympiacos)