Predicted XI: How new look Aston Villa could line up in the Premier League – opinion

Aston Villa’s side on the opening weekend of the Premier League season could look completely different to what they finished last term with.

Given they will have made the leap from the Championship it’s hardly a surprise.

Yet as they gear up for a clash with Tottenham in what will be an incredibly difficult start, who could be setting foot in Dean Smith’s XI? We’ve had a go at predicting how they might look.

To start things off, three out of four of Villa’s confirmed new signings could take their place in the side.

Arguably the most exciting and intriguing of all is Wesley, the £22.25m arrival from Club Brugge.

He looks as though he could be the man tasked with leading the line for the Villans and after being signed for a large fee, it’ll be interesting to monitor how he adapts to the frantic nature of the Premier League.

On the left of him should be Anwar El Ghazi. The Villans did brilliantly to bring him back on a permanent basis and this could be the stage he finally thrives on.

The Dutchman once shone for Ajax in the Eredivisie, scoring 11 times in 2015/16 so he could be a real wildcard in the top-flight next term.

Also in the side is Kortney Hause who will relish a chance to get stuck into Premier League life after failing to start a single top-flight game for Wolves after they were promoted.

However, fellow new signing Jota may have to settle for a place on the bench considering Villa’s pursuit of Said Benrahma.

If he arrives, he could play on the right wing ahead of a midfield trio that looks to have everything.

Jack Grealish and John McGinn will likely keep their place but behind them, they may well find reported target Kalvin Phillips. The regimented midfielder had a superb campaign with Leeds last term and would offer solid protection in front of the back four if he signs.

Defensively, there could be new arrivals in the form of Neil Etheridge, Matt Targett and Adam Webster who have all been linked with potential moves.

The first two names would be particularly good signings given how they performed in the Premier League last term.

Etheridge was named Cardiff’s Player of the Season whilst we’ve already documented the attacking nature Targett could bring to the side.

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