The infamously addictive game returned on November 8th with it’s 2022 edition, taking an even deeper dive into the world of football management, adding a shiny new data hub and an improved match engine to its already extensive take on life in the dugout.
For a bit of fun, we've fired up the newly released productivity-devastator, and sent the game three years into the future to see how Aston Villa line up on the first day of the 2024/25 season.
Take a look at how the game predicts Villa’s matchday squad will look as they prepare for a season opener against Watford:
Take a look at how the game predicts Villa’s matchday squad will look as they prepare for a season opener against Watford:
5. LB: Sead Kolasinac
A familiar face to Premier League fans thanks in large part to his mixed spell with Arsenal, Kolasinac looks mainly to be used as a backup option, but gets the nod due to an injury to Matt Targett. (Photo by ELVIS BARUKCIC/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: ELVIS BARUKCIC
6. DMC: Douglas Luiz
Much like Konsa, Luiz is pleasingly still a regular fixture of Villa's starting XI. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
Photo: James Chance
7. MCR: Ross Barkley
After a decent two-year stint with Napoli in which he seemingly recaptured his mojo, Barkley is back at Villa Park for a second spell. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo: Shaun Botterill
8. MCL: Morgan Sanson
Admittedly more of a squad player in 2024, Sanson is in the starting XI in place of injured vice-captain John McGinn. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Photo: Catherine Ivill