Aston Villa fans have plenty to talk about as the new Premier League season draws near. Following a roller-coaster 2024/25 campaign—one that saw brilliant highs and testing spells—the club is set to kick off its 151st competitive season with fresh ambitions, new faces, and continued belief under Unai Emery. Let’s take a closer look at where Villa stand: their upcoming fixtures, recent performances, statistical highlights, expert viewpoints, and what supporters can expect as football returns to Villa Park.
A Quick Recap: Last Season’s Finishing Line
Aston Villa wrapped up the 2024/25 Premier League season in sixth place. This marked a significant achievement given the competition’s intensity and a packed fixture list due to Europa League and domestic cup runs. Over 38 league matches, the team registered 19 wins, 9 draws, and 10 losses—a record that added up to a spot in European competition for the coming year. Notable recent results included a dramatic 3-3 draw against Liverpool and a 3-0 away win at Southampton, which provided a late-season lift for fans.
Upcoming Fixtures: Premier League and European Adventure
Excitement is building as Villa publish their fixture list for 2025/26. The team opens the league campaign at home against Newcastle United on 16 August, with further key matches against Brentford (23 August), Crystal Palace (29 August), and Everton (13 September). Highlights before October include showdowns with Fulham, Burnley, and Tottenham—periods that historically set the tone for the campaign.
Villa’s Europa League qualification means midweek matches will also shape squad rotation and player availability. Matches against heavyweights like Manchester City (25 October), Liverpool (1 November), and Chelsea (27 December) are already circled by supporters hoping for memorable nights at Villa Park.
Summer Pre-Season: Confidence Boosters and Tactical Tweaks
Villa’s pre-season campaign featured both wins and tactical experimentation. Recent games included a 4-0 thumping of AS Roma, which saw goals from Emi Buendia, Ollie Watkins, Jacob Ramsey, and new signing Donyell Malen. These fixtures have allowed Emery to blood new signings and fine-tune the playing style—notably, Villa’s pressing and defensive shape.
The club faced a mix of European and MLS opposition. Not only did these matches allow younger players to feature, but senior stars got valuable minutes under their belt ahead of the demanding domestic schedule. Supporters left encouraged by the seamless blend of experience and youth on show.
The Engine Room: Key Players and Squad Statistics
Central to Villa’s renewed ambitions is Ollie Watkins. Last season, he finished as the club’s top scorer and remains a focal point of Emery’s tactics. The team scored 58 goals in the league, averaging 1.53 per match, with Watkins and John McGinn controlling proceedings up front and in midfield, respectively. Defensive stability also improved, with Villa ranked in the Premier League’s top six for defensive power heading into the new term.
Wages reflect Villa’s commitment to progress. The current squad commands a total weekly payout of €2.4million, with a yearly club spend of about €124.6million on salaries. This level of investment highlights ownership’s faith in Emery’s project.
The Emery Effect: Managerial Insight
Unai Emery recently celebrated his 100th match in charge of Aston Villa—a feat demonstrating both longevity and significant impact since his appointment. Emery’s philosophy is clear: he demands relentless intensity, quick transitions, and a never-say-die attitude.
Speaking after last season’s Champions League heartbreak against Paris Saint-Germain, Emery told the press that he was “proud” of his squad’s progress: “We have come a long way… The players showed their capacity at this level, they are here because they deserve to be here and facing matches like today”. Pushing the likes of Bayern Munich and PSG demonstrates just how much Villa has evolved under his stewardship.
Club Identity: Kits, Culture, and Fan Sentiment
Villa’s new third kit for 2025/26 has already sparked debate online. Leaked images show an unusual design, splitting opinion within the fanbase. Some find it “woeful” or “bold”, while others applaud its ambition. Regardless, fans seem united in their desire for a strong transfer window and to see the club build on recent stability.
Fan optimism has been palpable in the build-up to the season, with most supporters hoping the blend of experienced heads and youthful promise can lead Villa into the top four—a feat that would guarantee Champions League football in 2026.
Looking Ahead: Villa’s Ambitions and Challenges
Squad depth will be crucial as Villa juggle domestic and European fixtures. Key questions revolve around new signings settling in, fitness for mainstays like Watkins and McGinn, and how the squad adapts when rivals strengthen. With the Premier League getting tougher each year, maintaining consistency from August to May is no easy feat.
However, there is genuine belief in B6. Not only is Villa Park regularly packed to the rafters, but the team’s style of play—attractive, direct, and aggressive—wins new admirers every week.
Final Thoughts
Aston Villa stepped into the 2025/26 season with justifiable excitement. They have a squad packed with talent, guided by a manager with a proven track record. Key signings and smart tactical evolution have set the foundation for a campaign that could define a new era for the club. As the opening whistle nears, fans from Birmingham and beyond have every reason to believe this season could be a special one. The claret and blue faithful will be there every step of the way, ready to roar their team on to fresh heights.
Contract Extensions: Securing the Core
To ensure stability, Villa have prioritised tying down key players. This summer, Lucas Digne extended his contract until 2028, while Boubacar Kamara committed his future until 2030. Veteran centre-back Tyrone Mings also penned a new deal lasting until 2027. These contracts reflect Villa’s trust in their experienced leaders and the desire to retain a strong British and European spine in the squad.
Conclusion:
Aston Villa enter the 2025/26 season with a reinforced squad, clear ambitions, and strong fan backing. Smart signings, key contract extensions, and Emery’s tactical vision have set the stage for an exciting campaign. With depth, quality, and momentum on their side, Villa look ready to challenge for European spots and deliver a season to remember for their supporters.
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