Premier League 2022/23 Preview: Aston Villa

Predicted Finish: 12th

Aston Villa begin the 2022/23 campaign with renewed optimism following an eventual 14th placed finish last season.

After a positive start to life at Villa Park for Steven Gerrard upon taking over from Dean Smith in November (back-to-back wins over Brighton and Crystal Palace), a top 10 finish looked like a real possibility despite a sluggish start to the season. 

However, the Liverpool legend faced his first period of real adversity in mid-March as the Villains suffered four consecutive defeats to West Ham, Arsenal, Wolves and Tottenham.

The Midlands club bounced back to alleviate any real relegation fears in what can only be seen as an adjustment season following the departure of talisman and fans' favourite Jack Grealish.

In preparation for the new campaign, Villa have brought in a number of new faces in an effort to spearhead a top half finish in the Premier League.

The most high-profile additions have arrived from La Liga, as Villa exercised their buy option for Barcelona outcast Philippe Coutinho and recruited the services of center-back Diego Carlos from Sevilla.

Last season’s loan move for Robin Olsen from Roma has been permanent, providing genuine competition for Emi Martinez from Sweden’s number one.

While Villa were firmly rooted in the bottom half of the table come the end of the season, CEO Christian Purslow has indicated, “Qualifying for European football is very much part of our strategic plan,” though it remains to be seen just how much progress the club can make towards that goal.

After sampling silverware in Scotland with Rangers, Steven Gerrard’s appetite for success will only have grown as he approaches the five-year landmark in management.

The Liverpool legend will undoubtedly harbour