Realistic Expectations

[ASHTONVILLA]

Very hard to predict with so many unknown quantities.

I am certain that set of players us more than good enough to comfortably stay up. How well we do will very much depend on Wesley and Douglas/Marvelous settling well.

I am going to be optimistic and say top half.

[mallo]

I think it will almost all come down to whether we take our chances properly. If we finish like Tammy last season with taking something like 1 in 4 then we won't be good enough. We need to be scoring from 3 or less chances. Defensively I think we're fine. The only niggle I have is we had so many shots on target last season and didn't score that many in relation. Shooting boots on boys! Still think we'll be fine and 13-17th is fine for me, then we can bring in some big(ger) guns.

[ROBBO]

Man City took a couple of seasons to hit their stride and I hope we go in the same direction.

[Nev]

I've already stated that I think we'll get turned over tomorrow but recover gradually. There will be times when we don't look up to it, when the manager will be under pressure, the match threads go a bit over the top and we worry for our PL status but I believe we have enough to stay in the division. With a following wind, a bit of luck, players performing exceptionally and steering clear of injury we could spring a few surprises.

To be honest I'd settle for a mixture of the above. Without the shit bit.

[rob_bridge]

Anywhere between 10th and 20th

Still think Luiz and Wesley are the key ones in how we measure up

[kipeye]

I think a Europey spot is realistic, I even hope for a top three! However, will NOT be disappointed by survival by one place provided we continue in the same vein in all other aspects of the club. I really, really love the whole thing at the moment.

[sid1964]

I expect anywhere between 13 - 16th - It is going to be a bumpey ride at times, but lets enjoy it!

[not3bad]

Matt Le Tissier predicts Newcastle will finish above Villa.

https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/08/09/matt-le-tissier-predicts-aston-villas-and-newcastle-uniteds-fini/

[rob_bridge]

Matt Le Tissier predicts Newcastle will finish above Villa.

https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/08/09/matt-le-tissier-predicts-aston-villas-and-newcastle-uniteds-fini/

Entitled to his opinion - depends on how his motivational skills work on a bunch of players used to pretty rigorous system based coaching and if he is still in post how much money Ashley gives him in January, much of which will be wasted if recent events are anything to go by

[Lastfootstamper]

Got to be honest, I think I'll struggle to enjoy a bumpy ride that finishes with us in 16th. That's what McLeish managed, and worse than Lambert. Twice.

[not3bad]

The first season Paul Lambert was in charge we were in deep trouble around Easter but we finished strongly and played some good football. I seem to remember there was some optimism about after that.

[Lastfootstamper]

There was, with loads of it coming from me. And then he Lamberted it up.

[sid1964]

It would interesting to know what the owners / Purslow have told Smith - about their expectations.

[Lastfootstamper]

"Win stuff".

[Risso]

Got to be honest, I think I'll struggle to enjoy a bumpy ride that finishes with us in 16th. That's what McLeish managed, and worse than Lambert. Twice.

Exactly.  We've got the best squad, and best manager we've had in a long, long time. The whole club seems united behind a common plan as well.  I just can't see us not finishing in the top 10.  Sheffield United, Brighton, Norwich, Southampton and Newcastle are all going to struggle, then you've got teams like Burnley, Bournemouth and Palace who aren't any great shakes.