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After three years away from the big time, Aston Villa are back amongst England’s elite in the Premier League, and there is already much excitement about their return.
One of the original members of the English top-flight during its reformation, Villa are a side many a neutral have a soft spot for, but heading back into the Premier League in a division where money now does all the talking, Dean Smith will have his work cut out next season if he is to keep his side up.
So what are the key fixtures for Villa looking ahead to next season, and what games will decide whether they can clinch survival?
October 5th – Norwich City (A)
If Villa are to stay up in the Premier League in their comeback year they need to ensure that they can get results over those who will also be fighting for survival, and Norwich City fall into that category. Picking up a win away at Carrow Road will be huge for the Birmingham-based club, besting last season’s Championship champions.
December 7th – Leicester City (H)
A win at home to Leicester City might seem like a tall task, but if Smith can orchestrate a win against the Foxes in a month where Villa play Sheffield United, Southampton and Norwich again, it could be the catalyst that leads to a run of wins that will be vital for the club’s Premier League safety.
February 29th – Sheffield United (H)
Speaking of Sheffield United, doing the double over Chris Wilder’s side would be a vital six points for Villa if they are to achieve Premier League status for the foreseeable future. Not only will it be important points gained for Smith and co, it will be points lost for the Blades.
April 4th – Wolverhampton Wanderers (H)
Rivalries are one of the defining elements of football that make the sport what it is, and a return to the Premier League for Villa means that their rivalry with Wolverhampton Wanderers can kick start yet again in a new era. Smith’s side will have to be on their A-game not just to bask in regional glory, but to get three important points that can help the Villans to safety. Based on last season’s form it’s a big ask, but Wolves often struggled against the teams near the bottom and they now have Europa League football to contend with as well.
May 9th – Arsenal (H)
Getting a result over a top-six side might seem like a tall order for Villa, but if there’s one side team you can always count on to bottle it away from home towards the end of the season, it’s Arsenal. If the pressure is on for the Gunners as we approach the home stretch it could be an end of season party for the Villans at Villa Park.
