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.
9. RW - Leon Bailey
Has shown this summer exactly the type of player Villa thought they were getting last season. A must start as things stands. Photo: PATRICK HAMILTON
10. LW - Emi Buendia
Whether he gets the nod or not is a different story altogether but if lining up in a 4-3-3 formation, Buendia makes the best eleven in front of Coutinho. Photo: Malcolm Couzens
11. ST - Danny Ings
Between him and Cameron Archer for who the best finisher is at the minute but Ings’ Premier League experience tips things in his favour. Should start. Photo: Matthew Ashton - AMA