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PREMIERSHIP TEAM PREVIEWS
ASTON VILLA FC
Coach: Martin O'Neill (NIR)
Martin O’Neill is a highly-respected manager and has an impressive CV; he gained promotion to the Premiership with Leicester in 1996 and finished in the top half of the table in every year there as well as winning the League cup twice, in 1997 and 2000.
In 2000 he moved to Celtic, where he won the league in 2001, 2002 and 2004 as well as reaching the final of the 2003 Uefa Cup. At Aston Villa, he has made the side progress dramatically in his two years at the club and with last season’s 6th place finish, they have qualified for the Intertoto cup.
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Recent record: (Pos); Pl; W-D-L; F-A; Pts
2007/08: (6th); 38; 16-12-10; 71-51; 60
2006/07: (11th); 38; 11-17-10; 43-41; 50
2005/06: (16th); 38; 10-12-16; 42-55; 42
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Good:
Villa were one of the most entertaining teams in the league last season, playing some good attacking football. They were the 3rd highest scorers last term (71 goals scored) and they have strengths in many different areas; Agbonlahor and Young have tremendous pace and defender Martin Laursen and striker John Carew are formidable in the air as some examples.
Martin O’Neill has made some good moves in the transfer market and has seemingly sorted out the problem of their squad size.
Bad:
Villa suffered dips in form last season (possibly due to their small squad), going through a bad run for a month or so before a good run; if they are to improve on their impressive 6th place finish last season, they will have to be more resilient and consistent.
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Transfers, Loans, Retirements...
IN: Steve Sidwell (Chelsea), Curtis Davies (West Brom), Brad Friedel (Blackburn), Nicky Shorey (Reading) Luke Young (Middlesbrough), Carlos Cuellar (Rangers).
OUT; Thomas Sorensen (released).
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Star Player:
Ashley Young was a large reason for Villa’s scoring prowess last season, himself scoring 8 goals as well as gaining 17 assists. His pace, crossing and general wing play is superb and he is starting to establish himself at international level; if he can continue to play as he did last season, Villa will find themselves in the higher reaches of the table once again.
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Summary:
Martin O’Neill seems prepared to lose Gareth Barry, bringing in Steve Sidwell as a replacement; other England fringe internationals Nicky Shorey and Luke Young are shrewd signings, with O’Neill possibly aware that Barry was also on the outskirts of the England squad a couple of years ago.
Villa are a strong, pacy offensive side with a good team spirit and work ethic; they are one of best teams outside “the big four” and have a good chance of improving on their impressive 6th place finish last season.
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TO WIN PREMIERSHIP:
Bet on Aston Villa to win Premiership: $201.00 @ Bet365
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Match Previews 20-22 December:
Betzine UK is covering just the 15 games this weekend, with the Bundesliga shutting for the winter break.
Among the games are Arsenal against Liverpool at The Emirates, plus Everton's hosting of Chelsea.
read the Previews...:
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*** BETZINE UK RECORD ***
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*** LATEST PROMOTIONS ***
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Paddy Power
London Calling! (Sun 31st Aug)
If Deco scores at anytime, Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st /last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on the match.
Click to open an account with Paddy Power
Read more about the promotion HERE
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Weekend Match Reports
Links to the match reports of games in the Premiership, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga
HERE
Starting this season; news feed for ALL Premiership teams available on Betzine UK
Read the news section HERE
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