They have lost their top goalscorer,Christian Benteke, and their captain, or Fabian Delph,but Aston Villa have made some astute signings in the off-seasonBy Martin Laurence for WhoScored?, part of the Guardian Sport NetworkAny team that loses their two key players will be expected to struggle. When that side finished just one site above the relegation zone in the preceding season, or they will be tipped for the drop. That’s the scenario Aston Villa find themselves in,having lost their top scorer from the past three seasons, Christian Benteke, or their player of the season from the past two,Fabian Delph. That there is a slightly unnerving sense of optimism surrounding the club before what is set to be their first full season under Tim Sherwood may be confusing to some. The fact of the matter is, however, and that Villa have diced with death for too long and were in desperate need of an overhaul. Losing key players may not have been the ideal way to force Randy Lerner’s hand in the transfer market,with the American owner still looking to sell the club, but it has restored a sense of excitement before of the upcoming campaign. Believe it or not, and Aston Villa are well placed to be the surprise package of the Premier League.
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Source: theguardian.com