After three years of Championship exile, Villa are once again back in the promised land of the Premier League following a 2-1 win against Derby County at Wembley in the play-off final.
However, as Dean Smith and co will be aware, clever recruitment over the summer will be instrumental if the claret and blues are to stay in what most describe as the biggest league in the world.
The Villans are currently around 6/4 to get relegated next season. Most pundits will expect the B6 club to lose most games, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on your weekly wager if you do like to have a flutter on the villa results. In fact, the best matched betting websites can guarantee you a profit each week, regardless of the result, you just have to do a little bit of research so you know how it works before you start.
With attacking loan stars like Tammy Abraham returning to their parent clubs after a successful loan stint, one area that will need significant strengthening is up front. Here are just some strikers that Villa could consider signing ahead of the new campaign.
Dwight Gayle
The speedy frontman has been a thorn in the side for Villa throughout his career. He even netted in the play-off semi-final first leg against West Brom at Villa Park only a matter of weeks ago. There’s no doubting his goalscoring abilities in the Championship, and after having had a great season at the Hawthorns his confidence will be high.
However, can he cut it in the Premiership? Previous exploits with Newcastle in the top division were disappointing but he could be a decent option for Dean Smith, particularly given the quick brand of football he likes to play.
Neal Maupay
Neal Maupay was actually signed by Smith for Brentford for a bargain £1.7m and if offered the chance to play in the top league with Villa the striker. The striker netted 25 league goals next season, would find it hard to say no to a reunion.
Speedy, with great technical ability and movement, he would be a nightmare to come up against but like Gayle, he has no real proven track record of delivering in the Premier League.
However, at 22 he’s at a really good age. With decent coaching, he will only improve. It may take a sum of around £20 million to reel in Brentford’s prized asset but that fee could prove to be a snip if he fulfils his potential.
Christian Benteke
This one is certainly in the gossip category, and one for the nostalgic Villa fans. Over his time at Villa Christian Benteke was a revelation, striking fear into opposing defences and scoring some fantastic goals with his pace and power.
His form eventually led him to Merseyside where he linked up with Liverpool. Things never worked out and ever since his career has been on a downward trajectory.
Currently plying his trade at Crystal Palace, it remains to be seen if he will be sticking around Selhurst park much longer; could a return to B6 be on the cards?
