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)

England for European success?

That is no doubt some of the ridiculous comments that we will be hearing over the coming days following England 2-0 victory yesterday.

Indeed it was an impressive performance, well it was for all of 15 minutes.

In those opening moments Fabio Capello's men ripped into Wales, who couldn't cope with the passing and movement on show.

Although the home sides defence was extremely lacklustre, especially in the space allowed to Ashley Young.

Space which allowed the Aston Villa winger to win the penalty for the Frank Lampards penalty, and play the killer ball in setting up team mate Darren Bent.

But the way in which England dropped off after going into a 2-0 lead was alarming and should be a cause for concern.

Should that have been against a bigger team, no offence to Wales, they would've no doubt threw away all the hard work done early on.

All ifs and buts of course, but it is a problem that has plagued England for years.

They are though leading their qualifying group, and should secure top spot for next years championships.

A lot of hard work will have to be done to improve, but will Fabio Capello still have the desire in what will be his last foray as boss.

It remains to be seen, but at least his side will be there.

Gary Speed's Wales look all at sea, and have now been hit by news that Craig Bellamy could retire from international duty.

Bad times for the our neighbours.

England disappoint against Montenegro!

After that shambles in the summer, England fans were once again beginning to get optimistic following a series of victories.

Added into this mix was the emergence of new talents, think Adam Johnson, and it was widely believed that Euro 2012 qualification was a mere formality.

But who are England to disappoint, and right on cue they have reminded their public that this isn't the case with a very poor performance.

Should this have been against one of the top sides, a draw wouldn't seem so bad but it was against the side tipped to finish bottom of the group.

Well that certainly is the case if you tip the current table upside down.

Added into the mix is also their current standing in the FIFA rankings, where Montenegro sit fortieth one ahead of Colombia and just behind Burkina Faso.

Montenegran fans celebrated like they had won at the final whistle at Wembley and who could blame them, if it wasn't for a lick of paint they could well have done.

But with Joe Hart well beat Milan Jovanovic's shot shuddered off the bar, and reminded England not to be too complacent.

The Sixth ranked best side in the world dominated possession for the most part, but struggled to make any real openings.

And when they did they found a keeper in top form, with Mladen Bozovic proving the last line in what was mostly a very staunch defence.

People connected with the national side will point to the clear penalty that should have been awarded when Jovanovic handled in the box.

But the truth is England shouldn't struggle to break these sides down, even if they settle for the most part.

Ashley Young and Adam Johnson may be the positives to take out of the game, with both being lively but during the course of the whole game not seeing enough of the ball.

Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole were also subdued in attacking from their full back berths, something we are all to used to seeing.

Most worrying of all though for Fabio Capello and Sir Alex Ferguson alike, will be another subdued performance from Wayne Rooney.

The Manchester United striker of a few months ago would have buried the two chances that fell his way, but on the night Bozovic thwarted him.

Injuries should have subsided by the next qualifier in Cardiff in March, but before that is the friendly against France at Wembley next month.

A stark improvement is needed if the three lions are to get back on track.