Realistic Expectations

[jwarry]

The defence is critical to our chances. Overall the current team is weaker than last seasons play-off final team. Sort the defence and I think we'll finish around mid table. If not, a relegation scrap looms.

Not sure I completely agree with this. Sure we need another 2 CBs and we know they are after Mings and Webster, but the we have upgraded the 2 full backs and we have Hause and Chessie if one of the new boys don’t come through

[AsTallAsLions]

The defence is critical to our chances. Overall the current team is weaker than last seasons play-off final team. Sort the defence and I think we'll finish around mid table. If not, a relegation scrap looms.

Not sure I completely agree with this. Sure we need another 2 CBs and we know they are after Mings and Webster, but the we have upgraded the 2 full backs and we have Hause and Chessie if one of the new boys don’t come through

Aside from the full-backs (both largely untested, let's be realistic), we are undoubtedly weaker. We've lost our top goalscorer and two very solid centre-halves, the former we've replaced with another largely untested player and the latter have yet to be replaced.

This isn't a doom and gloom post - yes I am aware we have a month left til the window shuts - but it's the reality of the situation we are in. And the way the market is, we need to either have to stump up the cash for quality or be willing to take bigger risks on the likes of Cahill + youth prospect.

I fully expect we'll pay big money for at least 1 centre-half in the coming weeks. But need to acknowledge there is a chance that we don't get the one(s) we want/need.

[Damo70]

There will be a top ten and a bottom ten and we will probably be in the latter. What we need to do is win our games against the rest of the bottom ten. As for the top teams let's hope they all go on long runs in Europe again and clock up lots of extra games.

[Toronto Villa]

Wolves, Watford, Bournemouth, Palace as examples all showed last season that the teams at the top can be beaten. At minimum with the right plan we can compete in every game this season. Yes we have to win the games against those outside of who we expect to be the top six but that said we can take points against the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Man U.

[ChicagoLion]

We still need 3 or 4 first team players to stay up and further squad strengthening.

[Damo70]

Wolves, Watford, Bournemouth, Palace as examples all showed last season that the teams at the top can be beaten. At minimum with the right plan we can compete in every game this season. Yes we have to win the games against those outside of who we expect to be the top six but that said we can take points against the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Man U.

Wolves raised their game against the top teams and won some points but on the other side of the coin they dropped some silly points against the struggling sides.

[garyshawsknee]

Wolves squad was very strong when they went up, so they're a bit of a freak compared to other promoted teams. We'll be the strongest of the promoted teams,  plus there's 3 or teams already there who are piss poor, so I'll settle for 13th.

[villa `cross the mersey]

After the euphoria of our win at Wembley and being able  wear ours colours with pride around the pool in Rhodes it's now starting to dawn on me that the next bit ( surviving in the Premier League) is a bigger task than I anticipated - the transfer fees being suggested are absolutely ridiculous even for bang average players - I am Sure that Dean and the owners are aware of the enormity of the task ahead -  it's going to be an interesting ride
I will be reasonably happy with 15th

[wittonwarrior]

An additional centre back, keeper (not essential but preferable) , an extra striker and holing midfielder should get us up to at least 10th.  The issue would be injuries and bans - a lot moe cards are shown in the premiership

[cdbearsfan]

Add two wingers, please. I like wingers.

[ChicagoLion]

The most pressing issue is DM.

[Brazilian Villain]

I'll be happy to finish 8-12th. However, an old school Citeh supporting friend of mine thinks we'll finish top 6.   I told him to lay off the booze.

[wittonwarrior]

No chance of finishing above 8th. Even if we get our target incomings, the squad as a whole is lacking.   An injury to Mings or jack will set us back

[Stu]

I'd take 17th now.

[jwarry]

FFS chaps this is Aston Villa not some second rate promotion/relegation team. We have always been top 6 and I expect nothing less. Sure it’s going to cost us this year but we have minted owners. Citeh bucked the trend and you just never know