Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster thinks Aston Villa are going to be a problem for teams this season and will surprise many.
Aston Villa had an impressive 2022/23 campaign, finishing seventh in the Premier League, and Foster, who was speaking on The United Stand, is expecting Unai Emery’s men to be around the top six.
The Villans have made some big signings this summer, bringing in the likes of Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen and Pau Torres from Villarreal to strengthen their attack and midfield.
On Villa, former England international Foster said: “When I was out in America, we watched Aston Villa play. They were so sharp. They’re going to surprise so many teams this year. They’re going to be around, I think, that fifth, sixth, seventh.
“They’re going to be a problem for all of the big teams this year. I guarantee it because of the way they play. The way their manager sets them up is phenomenal.”
Aston Villa can qualify for Europe again
It is certainly not impossible that Villa finish seventh for a second consecutive season and retain their place in the Europa Conference League.
They have some really good players, with Diaby, Torres and Youri Tielemans now in the mix.
Villa, of course, can also qualify for Europe by winning the Europa Conference League this term, and it is not something that you would rule out when you look at Emery’s record in European competitions.
Finishing in the top six will be difficult. There are some quality teams in the Premier League right now like Manchester City and Arsenal, who you would fancy to claim two of those top-four spots after how they performed in the last campaign.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur will also be expected to bounce back after their disappointing seasons. They surely cannot be any worse. Things will not be easy for Villa but, when it comes to the English top flight, never say never.
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