Premier League 2024-25 preview No 2: Aston Villa | Aston Villa

Guardian writers’ predicted position: 6th (NB: this reflects the average of our writers’ predictions, not specifically Ben Fisher’s)

Last season’s position: 4th

Prospects

Just when it seemed Unai Emery was winding down, he scrunched his face and delivered an inspiring farewell. “I want to enjoy more and more,” he proclaimed on stage at Aston Villa’s well-timed end-of-season awards dinner in May, moments after securing their place in the Champions League. “Now the new challenge begins for us, to rebuild the team, to be strong, and to continuously elevate our performance.” He punctuated this statement with a triumphant fist pump, celebrating Villa’s qualification for Europe’s premier tournament after 41 long years. “Up the Villa, up the Villa,” he shouted.

This moment, shared with fans, staff, and players in the Holte End suite, reflects the mindset of an intensely driven manager, dedicated to his role even during celebrations. It also illustrates why Villa is unwilling to rest on past successes, demonstrated by their assertive yet calculated approach to the transfer market, which saw eight new players arrive and eight depart, partly due to profitability and sustainability regulations. Emery didn’t extend his contract until 2029 for mere stagnation.

Only four years ago, they brought in Mbwana Samatta and Borja Bastón in a desperate attempt to secure goals amid relegation threats. Having avoided that crisis, they now compete for elite talent across Europe. Last season, they nearly signed the Spanish winger Nico Williams, while this summer, Emery set his sights on João Félix after securing Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen for a total of £88m, along with Juventus teenagers Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior.

The main concern is managing at least eight high-stakes midweek matches this season. Emery, who has transformed Villa into a dynamic contender, will embrace this challenge. After reaching the Europa Conference League semi-finals last season, he’s eager to win a trophy. “Of course now [the goal is] to win the Champions League, just as Aston Villa did in 1982,” he declared to thunderous applause on that night their return to prominence was secured. “Yes, but being there makes it easier than not being there,” he added with a smile. “The key is to dream big.”

The manager

Demanding. This is Emery’s watchword, and he embodies it, expecting from his players what he willingly delivers himself. The 52-year-old is known to analyze opposition footage while on the treadmill at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training facility. A four-time Europa League champion, Emery’s rapid progress at Villa has seen them skip that tournament—he’s enamored with the prestige of European football. He expressed excitement recounting his first visit to the Johan Cruyff Arena, taking snapshots the day before Villa faced Ajax last season, underscoring his disciplined preparation by studying teams ranging from FC Andorra to Barnsley. It’s no surprise that post-match, he often takes time to “cool off” before addressing the media.

Breakout star

While technically a new £13m signing, Jaden Philogene’s talents are well-known within Villa, despite him having made only three appearances in four years. The winger, after scoring twice in his England Under-21 debut last October and having a standout season in the Championship with Hull—including a remarkable rabona goal against Rotherham—returns to familiar ground following his East Yorkshire loan. Philogene joined Villa in 2018 from the Pro:Direct Academy in North London but was sold last summer under the stipulation of including a buy-back clause. After facing interest from rivals in the league, Emery convinced him face-to-face that he would have the opportunity to excel this time. “What I did at Hull, I want to replicate at Villa Park,” he stated.

Off-field picture

“Shaaarron, have you spotted my Preds?” A prime candidate for the quote of the season came from Ozzy Osbourne in the video unveiling Villa’s home kit. Following last season’s kit complaints, Villa secured a deal with Adidas to ensure stylish kits for their return to the Champions League, assisted by co-owner Nassef Sawiris, who holds about 7% of the German company. “We believe we should be evaluated by the company we keep,” stated Villa’s business president, Chris Heck, who splits his work between the club’s central London office and aims to increase revenue by £400m by 2027. Regarding profitability and sustainability concerns, the sale of key player Douglas Luiz to Juventus proved essential.

A-lister

It has been two years since Ollie Watkins expressed his ambition to be regarded as a “killer” in front of the goal, using Harry Kane as a benchmark. With 19 goals in the top flight last season and shining brighter than Kane in Germany, he has met that goal. Once starting his journey at Exeter City—which included a loan to sixth-tier Weston-super-Mare—Watkins has since evolved into a modern superstar at Villa. He has netted 70 goals across 169 appearances in all competitions. Fast, deceptively strong, a precise finisher, and an aerial threat, his most underrated quality might be his remarkable availability. Since joining from Brentford for a club-record fee of £28m, Watkins has missed only six league games over the span of four years.

What they did this summer

Watkins made a pivotal contribution for England against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, a tournament where Ezri Konsa also showcased his skills with impressive performances. After Belgium’s upset loss to Slovakia, Onana firmly corrected a reporter who mistakenly called him André, clearly mixing him up with the Manchester United goalie. “André isn’t even my name, mate. You know what I mean?” he retorted, before continuing to entertain inquiries. Meanwhile, Emiliano Martínez, one of Villa’s prime assets, added more silverware to the cabinet, winning the Copa América with Argentina and securing his third Golden Glove, and this time without any inappropriate fanfare.