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:
. LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Ross Barkley of Chelsea during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Ross Barkley. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Photo: Justin Setterfield
. GK: Emiliano Martinez
The Argentine is still the main man between the sticks at Villa Park. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Pantling
. RB: Alejandro Pozo
Signed in the summer of 22, the Spaniard has been doing an admirable job of keeping Matty Cash out of the side. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) Photo: Fran Santiago
. DCR: Ezri Konsa
With more than 150 appearances to his name, Konsa has established himself as a proper stalwart for Villa. Still no England cap though... (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
. DCL: Bartol Franjic
Snapped up from Dinamo Zagreb for just £6.5 million, the Croatian international looks to have been a real bargain for the Villans. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images) Photo: Jurij Kodrun
. 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
. 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
1. GK: Emiliano Martinez
The Argentine is still the main man between the sticks at Villa Park. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Pantling
2. RB: Alejandro Pozo
Signed in the summer of 22, the Spaniard has been doing an admirable job of keeping Matty Cash out of the side. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) Photo: Fran Santiago
3. DCR: Ezri Konsa
With more than 150 appearances to his name, Konsa has established himself as a proper stalwart for Villa. Still no England cap though... (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
4. DCL: Bartol Franjic
Snapped up from Dinamo Zagreb for just £6.5 million, the Croatian international looks to have been a real bargain for the Villans. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images) Photo: Jurij Kodrun