Aston Villa were brought back down to earth at the weekend following their heavy pre-season defeat to MLS side, Columbus Crew.
Just like the two opening wins, fans shouldn’t go overboard with this game, even though four goals were conceded.
Unai Emery is dealing with a lot of changes, with players returning from long-term injuries, new signings given a chance and the old guard still on holiday after competing in summer tournaments.
When it comes to the attack, it’s clear that Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey start up front, alongside Morgan Rogers.
You know captain John McGinn is also a starter, alongside Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Emiliano Martinez.
But from there, you could argue that many spots in Aston Villa’s first XI are up for grabs, with Moussa Diaby leaving Villa for Saudi Arabia and Douglas Luiz joining Juventus.
After the first two games, Villa fans would have thrown many names at you, in regards to who could start the first Premier League game of the new season because they started off pre-season like a house on fire.
But the mood quickly changed after the Columbus thrashing, with one player still putting in a positive display, despite the inconsistency around him.
Ross Barkley pushing to start for Aston Villa
Many applauded Villa for signing Ross Barkley from Luton Town because it was seen as a smart capture given how well he performed for the relegated club.
This is the 30-year-old’s second stint at Villa Park (Villa TV) and he will be eager to put the wrongs of the previous spell right.
From the three pre-season matches, he has looked like the player who was boosing it from deep for Luton.
Barkley’s calmness on the ball, ability to take it in tight situations and play that forward pass have all been on display.
Even against Columbus, he was probably one of the very few positives, with Ian Taylor also delivering his verdict on Amadou Onana.
Aston Villa’s trip to West Ham United
Emery is tasked with taking on West Ham United for the opening game of the new Premier League season – Villa fans were fuming at one thing they saw from the 2024/25 Premier League fixture list.
This is the season when the team return to the Champions League and compete alongside the elite.
You feel more players could yet come in before the summer transfer window slams shut, as Villa learn the asking price for target Joao Felix.
You sense that could be the final big-name player to enter the building and it would allow Emery to lift off ahead of what is going to be a difficult, but entertaining campaign.
