As I did for the Arsenal preview, I'm going to make some assumptions related to ongoing transfer speculation. I'm going to assume that like Everton did last season with Lescott, Villa will capitulate to the huge offer from Man City on Milner and end up with Ireland and a bunch of cash. Since I see Ireland plus cash for Milner as being great business for Villa - especially if they put that cash to good use - I don't think this will change the Villa outlook too dramatically if it turns out I'm wrong and they keep Milner. I'm also assuming that Villa will keep Ashley Young away from the grasp of Spurs, et al.
Overall Outlook - It must be frustrating being a Villa supporter or even in management. They have done some excellent business on a relatively tight budget over the last few years but seem to be moving backward more than forward. The first team is as good as nearly any around and for the first time in ages there is actually some quality depth, especially at the back. The problem is that while Villa are improving the old fashioned way, people with much deeper pockets are moving up the pecking order faster and potentially starting to undo some of that great work. The insertion of City into the Top Four mix, the emergence of Spurs as a Champions League team with the increased revenue that goes with it, and the potential for Liverpool to be rescued from financial ruin by either Chinese or Syrian investors means that clubs like Everton and Villa are realistically going to have a hard time fighting it out for 7th place. That said, there is every chance that Liverpool won't complete their sale in time to make a difference until January and that Spurs will wilt on the big stage (see Everton when they made the Champions League) and Citeh will continue to search for the right combination of players and manager to exploit their deep pockets and Villa could challenge for 4th.
