Unai Emery will get his first chance to put his own stamp on the Aston Villa squad when the January transfer officially opens for business in two weeks.
Since his appointment as successor to former manager Steven Gerrard in October, the Spaniard has led Villa to Premier League wins against Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester United - although a Carabao Cup third round exit at the hands of the latter was sandwiched between two hard-earned wins.
Now, with the focus rapidly turning towards a return to Premier League action when Villa host Liverpool on Boxing Day, Emery will be relishing the opportunity to spend some of the funds he was reportedly promised when he was persuaded to leave La Liga club Villarreal and take over at Villa Park.
A whole host of weird and wonderful names have been linked with a move to B6 over the last two months - so we utilised the latest version of Football Manager to see who they believe will join Emery’s squad next month.
1. GK - Emiliano Martinez
Fresh from his World Cup heroics, Martinez has interest (of the virtual variety) from clubs in Spain and Italy - but remains Villa’s number one. Photo: Getty Images
2. RB - Matty Cash
Another with interest elsewhere but Cash has stayed at Villa and taken his place in their virtual starting eleven. Photo: Getty Images
3. CB - Jan Bednarek
The on-loan defender has snatched a starting place from Tyrone Mings, who has been forced to watch on from the sidelines. Photo: Getty Images
4. BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Diego Carlos of Aston Villa in action during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Aston Villa at Vitality Stadium on August 06, 2022 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
Back from injury, and back in the starting eleven, the former Sevilla defender partners Bednarek at the heart of the defence.