There will be high hopes ahead of the 2020-21 season for Aston Villa fans, as Dean Smith looks to build on a hugely progressive second season back in the Premier League last term. Villa ended the season in 11th in the table, after a disappointing end to the campaign, as they won just three games in their last eight. However, a new season brings with it new hope, but what should the Villa target be in 2021-22?
Completed Summer Business
Villa have moved quickly in the summer transfer market, as they have already strengthened two key areas of the pitch. Emiliano Buendia is an exciting addition to the team in the middle of June, as the Villains paid £33 million to Norwich for his services. The attacking midfielder enjoyed another excellent season with the Canaries last term, as he scored 15 goals in 39 Championship appearances. The Argentine already has Premier League experience, and will certainly add creative flair next season.
The club also brought in Ashley Young on a free transfer from Inter Milan. Young returns to Villa Park ten years after departing for Manchester United, and will add some much-needed experience to the young Villa squad. More business could yet be completed, with Villa still rumoured to be interested in signing James Ward-Prowse and Emil Smith-Rowe.
Villa’s Early Season Fixtures
Villa got off to the perfect start in 2020-21, as they won their opening four games of the season. That strong start to the season saw them as high as second in the league table. Smith will be hoping for a repeat start this season, and on paper, that should be achievable. The Villa start the season away at newly-promoted Watford on August 14th, before back-to-back home games against Newcastle United and Brentford.
The pressure could be on Smith if Villa haven’t picked up points from those games, as their following four fixtures look more challenging. Villa head to Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford in September, with the visit of Everton, sandwiched in between those games. The first derby of the season takes place at Villa Park in the middle of October against Wolves, before fixtures at the Emirates against Arsenal, and at home against West Ham United.
2021-22 Season Targets
The target for Smith and his team for the 2021-22 season looks to be a fairly straightforward one. Smith has constantly spoken about the team progressing, which means a top-half finish must be the minimum goal. However, should the league table open as much as it did last term, then there shouldn’t be any reason why the Villa couldn’t potentially target a European finish with the quality that they have in the squad. The start of the season will be pivotal to their chances of achieving that.
Villa fans will also be desperate for a cup run in either the FA Cup or EFL Cup this season. Smith’s side were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round, and EFL Cup in the fourth round last season. Villa haven’t won a major tournament since winning the League Cup back in 1996. With the talent the Villa have this season, they could be well-positioned for a strong run in one of the cup competitions.
