We’re into the final month of the summer transfer window and things have calmed down for Aston Villa after a hectic beginning.
Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos and Robin Olsen all signed permanent deals with the club within the first six weeks whilst Ludwig Augustinsson joined on loan from Sevilla more recently.
There is belief that Steven Gerrard could yet add more new faces to his squad before the window slams shut on September 1st but if things are to remain as they are, what would Villa’s strongest starting line-up look like?
New signings Kamara and Carlos are clear upgrades and are pretty much guaranteed starts but away from those, arguments could be had across the board for several different positions.
The opening day trip away at Bournemouth will give us the first idea of what Gerrard feels his strongest team is but there is also more of a case for rotation this season, too.
As things stand, here’s what we think the claret and blue’s best starting line-up is for the game with The Cherries and beyond.
5. LB - Lucas Digne
Ludwig Augustinsson has been brought in from Sevilla as competition but it’s highly unlikely Digne will ever lose his place unless through injury. | Getty Images
6. CM - Boubacar Kamara
Still of the belief that Kamara could be one of the signings of the summer. Guaranteed starter. | AFP via Getty Images
7. CM - John McGinn
Steven Gerrard hopes that McGinn will thrive after being given captaincy duties recently. Pretty much nails his spot down. | Getty Images
8. CM - Douglas Luiz
Based on pre-season form so far and the fact he’s able to play further forward with Kamara in the side, Luiz gets the nod ahead of Jacob Ramsey. | Getty Images