Author: Matthew McMahon

With the Darren Bent deal to Fulham being finalised today, many Villa fans will be glad to see the back of the rumours surrounding the 29-year-old. The striker was linked with moves to Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Fulham but in the end chose The Cottagers, having been booked in for a medical at Palace yesterday morning which he did not show up to. Oh, the drama! Villa fans may not have seen the last of Bent in claret and blue, as the deal to Fulham is only on loan, although I am not sure if the London side have the…

With the release of FIFA 14 just over a month away, it’s time to look at which Villa players I think warrant an increase and decrease in rating, based on their performances from last season. This list only includes players who were previously on the FIFA 13 database. Goalkeepers Brad Guzan – Previous rating (75) Predicted rating (80+) +5 Shay Given – Previous rating (80) Predicted rating (75) -5 Defenders Matthew Lowton – Previous rating (68) Predicted rating (78) +10 Ron Vlaar – Previous rating (76, upgraded to 78) Predicted rating (78-80) +2 Jores Okore – Previous rating (67) Predicted…

A few years ago, when you looked at our squad and compared it with the English national team, you would see Aston Villa players lining up as a front three for England in the form of Young, Bent and Downing. Now, when you look at our current squad, all be it a very young and inexperienced squad, you will not see a single player in the current national squad. In my opinion, there are three Villa players who could easily break into the England squad if they continue to perform like they did from January onwards last season. The players…

With the end of the transfer window just over a month away, Lambert looks to have cemented together a side that could challenge for a spot in the top half of the table come next season. But has Lambert finished window shopping? Many Villa fans would argue that we are still lacking a central midfielder/attacking midfielder with a creative spark and a player who can make something happen. With Steven Ireland more than likely on his way out of Villa Park, are we going to buy a better replacement or has our current squad shown that we have enough firepower…

Three or four years ago, when you looked at those players’ names the first thing that would have sprung to mind was “the future of Aston Villa.” Now, looking ahead, Barry Bannan is more than likely on his way out, Clark doesn’t seem to be able to cut it and Albrighton is getting injured every game he plays in. Ciaran Clark I for one am a big fan of Clark and it frustrates me when he doesn’t play well. Having seen him at the heart of another howler last night in a friendly against Luton, it made me think that…

With Benteke returning to training this week, the thought of the Belgian striker remaining at Villa has crept into the minds of many fans. So, here are my top five reasons as to how Benteke can win back the support of Aston Villa fans if he were to stay. 1) Plain and simple, score as many goals as he did last season. If Benteke keeps up the same scoring form, if not better than last season, his antics will be quickly forgotten. I often use the metaphor when it comes to footballers that they are a bit like postmen, they…

With the German tour coming to an end, Lambert’s summer signings are ready to take on English opposition. But just how well have his new signings fared so far? Let’s have a look. Nicklas Helenius The big Dane has been one of the stand out players so far out of Lambert’s summer signings. The striker shone on the German tour, scoring two goals in three games, and he could well have added more. He is not afraid to put himself in front of defenders , as we seen with both of his near post headers against Rodinghausen and VFL Bochum.…