English Premier League – Aston Villa 2011 Preview
Aston Villa is going into the new year with one of the most talented rosters in the history of club, and recent transactions will go a long way in their pursuit to shock the world and win their first ever Premiership title.
Odds to win the 2011-12 Premiership outright 300/1
The recent signing of Charles N’Zogbia of Wigan Athletic is a step in the right direction, and will bring a much-needed presence in the middle of the field.
N’Zogbia made his international debut for France last year, and is one of the most promising stars in English soccer.
This signing comes after Alex McLeish, the Villa general manager, attempted to sign the midfielder twice before with no avail.
Overall, the Villans were a disappointment in 2010-11, but they retain the majority of their players including forward Darren Bent who led the team in league games with nine goals. Bent will be an important piece for the team if they want to finish ahead of last year’s ninth place position on the league table.
It was a weak year up and down the roster in 2010, but the team looks willing to add talent in hopes of moving on to the next level.
Midfielder Stewart Downing is looking to improve upon his promising 2010 campaign. The 27-year-old has all the tools necessary to be a big-time player, but is closing in on the end of his career, and has failed to use the gifts God gave him to have a truly successful season. [ad-3678122]
The rest of the roster is littered with players like Downing; players that underachieve and have all the skill needed but have yet to live up to their ability.
One player that did however begin to show promise was midfielder Ashley Young who bolted to Manchester United for greener pastures this offseason. Young was beginning to come into his own last year, but now Villa will not be able to see that materialize.
Still, the biggest concern in 2010 was in goal, an ongoing problem for the club throughout the recent years.
Brad Friedel started every league game for the team in 2010-11, and was uninspiring to say the least. Friedel finished the year with 59 conceded goals in 38 starts, and just 107 saves.
The team finished the season with a record of 12-12-14, which was a major disappointment considering McLeish was considered one of the most coveted at the position when Aston picked him up to head their squad.
The Scottish-soccer legend, failed to rally his team, and let his team fall apart during the winter session, a time when the team only won three games in three months.
Matt’s Prediction:
It is tough to take the odds (300/1) and make any sort of argument for the team, especially when you add to the fact that Young is long gone and they failed to find a better keeper.
It will be a tough campaign, but with the acquisition of N’Zogbia they should be able to make their season respectable, finishing level with last year’s efforts.
Capperspicks.com Soccer picks channel is your best bet online for all the free English Premier League Betting Predictions you can handle. Check back with us for tons of write-ups on weekly fixtures all season long. We’re not the best soccer betting experts on the planet, but we work our ASSES off to make you some MONEY!
