As the Premier League finally comes to a return after a long break, it returns with a bang. Two of the most exciting teams outside of the traditional “Big Six” battle it out on game week one. Aston Villa take on the new Champions League team on the block, Newcastle United.Β
Letβs take a look at Newcastleβs summerβ¦
Before we start, can I ask a quick favour? We love producing content for you on our website, and we want to share it with as many Villa fans as possible. Consider mentioning our website next time you’re talking Villa with your friends, or better still, It’s free to subscribe to our profit-free site; you’ll receive instant email notifications of all released articles. Plus, as with the website, no adverts or spam mail will be delivered to your mailbox; only our content. Thanks.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | ARE THE KIDS TAKING OVER THE TOON?
When looking at the Premier League transfer window, for me, there are two teams that really stick out. One is Aston Villa, and the other is their opponent this Saturday, Newcastle. Both of these teams have significantly improved their squads.
Theyβve also both managed to clear out some “dead wood”.
The first real statement of intent from Newcastle came early on. The Geordies signed 23-year-old Italian Sandro Tonali for an undisclosed fee rumoured to be around β¬60 million. Despite being owned by the Saudis for a couple of seasons now, this was Newcastleβs first real big-money signing.
The best part of this deal is that you can tell itβs been deliberated over a lot. Newcastle didnβt just want to sign someone for squad depth and to boost their numbers; they wanted to solidify an already fairly solid area. A midfield trio of Guimaraes, Joelinton, and Tonali wonβt be bested by too many teams. Although Iβd say a combination of Tielemans, Kamara, Luiz, and McGinn does just pip it.
The next piece of impressive business was for a player that Villa was reportedly interested in. Leicesterβs Harvey Barnes was a shining light in their awful season last time out. He tried to carry the team with his creative input down the flank when the likes of Madison and Vardy couldnβt. The 25-year-old has already had an impressive preseason and might be one to keep an eye on.
The final piece of business Iβd like to talk about was the acquisition of Tino Livramento from Southampton. Tino has been a player Iβve admired for a while, and I believe heβd be an international had he avoided injury. The 20-year-old is a clever piece of business for a player that can come in and learn from an experienced Trippier. So while he may not be world-class right now, with some years of guidance from Trippier, that could change.
Overall, Newcastle have had a very impressive and clever transfer window. The most important thing is that they have improved their squad significantly. However, thatβs not just a short-term improvement; every player is below 26 years of age, meaning they have a lot of time to shine in black and white.
Sorry for interrupting the flow of the post; can you help support us? Our non-profit and ad-free website, UTVPODCAST | The Website, is now accepting small donations to help support its continuous evolution and operating costs. We love creating this content for you and want it to be as successful as possible. If you are able to help, please click the PayPal button below.
MY PREDICTION
Itβs difficult to not get too carried away when thinking about Aston Villa this season. In pre-season we looked very strong, weβve strengthened very well but at the same time, so have Newcastle. The Geordies will want to build their feel-good factor at St Jamesβs Park and clamp down on Villaβs. Saying that, you have to remember how good Villa have been away from home. Itβs just to close to call!
I think this is a game thatβs bound for an entertaining draw, so Iβll go with a 2-2 courtesy of Watkins and Diaby.
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR: ELLIS BURNETT
“Thank you for reading: any likes, retweets, or shares on the social media post where you found this article would be highly appreciated“.
“Are you on Twitter? Drop me a follow; all released articles will be posted to my feed”.
Click the icon below…
HUGE SAVINGS ON ASTON VILLA MERCHANDISE @ KITBAG
UTVPODCAST | The Website is pleased to partner with Official AVFC Store, Fanatics, and Kitbag. Throughout the season, we will bring you exclusive offers and discount codes.
