Most Aston Villa fans have been trying to forget most parts of the 2021-22 season after a disappointing campaign. However, the 2022-23 season is coming quickly into sight, which means that fans can begin to get excited; just like NASCAR fans are counting down the days to the Ally 400.
Villa will begin the new season on the road against Bournemouth, who will be looking to hit the ground running following their promotion back to the Premier League. The first home game of the new season comes the following week, as the Midlands side host Frank Lampard’s Everton.
Eight of the last nine Premier League seasons for Villa have started with a game away from home. Last season, the Villians did better on the road than they did at Villa Park, and that will be something Steven Gerrard will be looking to amend this term.
The Current Updates
The fixture list for the 2022-23 campaign has finally been announced, and fans will be able to plot their team’s campaign. Villa will be daring to dream of a European finish this season, which means that they will need to get off to a quick start at the Vitality Stadium against Bournemouth.
On paper, Villa should have a lot of chances to get points on the board early in the season. After playing the Cherries, the Villa then faces Everton, Crystal Palace, and West Ham before playing Arsenal.
Arsenal Away – August 30
The first big away day for Villa comes just a couple of days before the summer transfer window closes, as they face Arsenal on August 30th. The game will hold added significance, as it will give Gerrard one final chance to look over his squad in a competitive fixture before the window slams shut.
If Villa doesn’t win in North London, Gerrard and NSWE may be tempted to make more transfers before the transfer deadline. It could be the final opportunity for Villa to make last-minute changes to the squad, and avoid another season competing for places in the middle of the standings.
Brighton Away – November 12
Normally, Brighton wouldn’t stand out on the schedule, but you don’t want to go into an international break after a disappointing loss. Victories before international breaks are often what managers look for, as the morale of players and fans will remain high.
That is extra significant this season, as the Villa’s away fixture against Brighton will be their last fixture until after the 2022 World Cup. It could be a tense month or so for Villa fans if they are beaten at the AMEX, as the chance to bounce back to winning ways will need to wait until Boxing Day.
Wolves Home – January 2
There will be a massive West Midlands derby to kick off 2023, as Villa welcome local rivals Wolves to Villa Park. Fans will still have nightmares from the Black Country side’s previous visit, as Bruno Lage’s side came back from 2-0 down to win the game with virtually the last kick of the game.
Starting the calendar year with a big win against your rivals could reverse a team’s fortunes. For Villa and Gerrard, they will be hoping that victory against Wolves could help them build momentum to finish in a European spot.
West Ham Away – March 11
Aston Villa will travel to West Ham at a crucial part of the season, as the race for Europe, and the battle to stay in the Premier League heats up. Both teams will be hopeful of being involved in the European picture this season, which means that this fixture could be crucial for both sides at the London Stadium.
A huge away game like this close to the end of the season could be a morale-boosting experience if you’re able to pick up the three points. Only time will tell whether Villa are still in the hunt for European football as we edge towards the middle of a busy March.
Liverpool Away – May 20
Aston Villa close the season on the road against Liverpool. It is a difference from the 2021-22 campaign, as Villa almost handed the title to the Reds by beating Manchester City at the Etihad. That could mean extra spice in their visit to Anfield this term. However, it’s extremely likely that a number of Villa staff will get positive receptions from the Anfield crowd, including Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho.
But, the Reds may not be as forgiving on the pitch, as Jurgen Klopp’s side could be chasing a second Premier League title. It is a big final away game of the season, and one that Villa may need something from if they are still chasing down a European spot.
