Team Focus: Premier League Preview Part 1 - Arsenal and Aston Villa
Arsenal
Having pledged to spend big, by their standards at least, the break from football has been somewhat underwhelming for Arsenal's fans this summer. While they continue to pursue their interest in Luis Suárez, targets such as Jovetic (Man City) and Higuaín (Napoli) have moved elsewhere. Up front is certainly the area that Wenger has seemed most keen to add to his ranks, bringing in young French forward Yaya Sanogo to act as cover.
The loss of Robin van Persie still stings with many, and though 4 players reached double figures in the league last season - more than any other team - they were without a potent front man. Indeed, Olivier Giroud, who started 24 league games last season, missed the second most clear-cut chances in the top-flight (19).
Elsewhere the return to fitness of Jack Wilshere may be key after the England international struggled towards the end of last season. Meanwhile, the class and guile of Santi Cazorla - who produced 13 more accurate through balls than any other player last season - is perhaps Wenger's best weapon.
At the back, the form of club captain Thomas Vermaelen left a little to be desired last season, with Koscielny and Mertesacker likely to be the preferred starting duo, while the jury is still out on Wojciech Szczesny to a certain degree. The 37 goals they conceded last season was, however, the Gunners best defensive record in four years, and only more than Man City in the top-flight.
If they are unable to bring in their desired striker then Giroud's form in pre-season suggests that he could build on last season's modest tally of 11, but it's unlikely to be enough to mount a title challenge. Further strength, in the literal sense of the term, may also need to be added in defensive midfield, with many still suggesting the side is a little lightweight.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be keen to get more playing time under his belt, starting just 11 league games last season, and the sale of Gervinho to Roma may allow that to happen. The fans will also hope to see more of young German duo Serge Gnabry and Thomas Eisfeld, but their roles are more likely to be restricted to cup competitions once again.
At the time of writing Arsenal have failed to strengthen, and in turn it's hard to see them improving on last season's fourth placed finish. Another season of highs and lows is expected at the Emirates, and their battle may well be with Spurs and an improving Liverpool side rather than at the league's summit once again.
Last Season: 4th
New Signings (at time of writing): Yaya Sanogo (Auxerre)
Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Wilshere; Walcott, Ramsey, Cazorla; Giroud
Predicted Finish (Average of Authors): 4th
Aston Villa
It's been a successful summer for Aston Villa and the 2013 calendar year, in the most part, has gone very well for Paul Lambert. The new manager had his faith in young, hungry players repaid after a disastrous Christmas period and the club finished in 15th, sticking with the same policy in the crucial last few months of the season despite the insistence of many that experience was required.
The former Norwich boss has added six players to his ranks this summer, all of whom are 23 or under, and is looking to offload the high-earning dead wood at the club before dipping his toes back in the market. However, the crucial business saw the club renew the contract of last season's star man Christian Benteke, who had originally expressed his desire to leave after submitting a transfer request.
The young Belgian's importance to the Midlands outfit last season was absolutely huge, netting 19 goals and in turn contributing to a higher proportion of his side's total league tally than any other player in the division (40%). After a slow start, showing flashes of potential in the first half of the season, Benteke netted a league high of 14 league goals in the New Year and if he can reach similar heights next season Villa's safety should be assured.
The young side, praised for their fluid counter-attacking style last season - with only Arsenal netting more goals on the break (6) - had real problems at the back, however. They conceded 69 goals, which was only fewer than relegated Wigan and Reading, and were it not for Brad Guzan - voted Villa's Player of the Season - they may well have slipped into the bottom three.
Lambert has looked to strengthen with the signing of Jores Okore from Nordsjaelland, with the 20-year old perhaps the most eye-catching of their acquisitions. The Denmark international put in superb performances against both Chelsea and Juventus in the Champions League last season, and although he will need to adapt his gung-ho style a little he's one to watch.
Along with Benteke's renewal, the club also tied down long-term contracts for Guzan, Weimann, Lowton and Westwood, who were perhaps the 5 best players for the club last season, showing real intent to kick on. The right-back in particular acclimatised to Premier League football with ease, and was one of only two players to register triple figures for both tackles (105) and interceptions (111) in the league last season.
It's worth keeping an eye out for teenage prospect Jack Grealish this term, who has been with the senior side in pre-season, while Nicklas Helenius is another player who possesses something different in the final third. It's Villa's ability to compensate for a leaky defence at the other end that should see them make progress this season.
Last Season: 15th
New Signings (at time of writing): Aleksandar Tonev (Lech Poznan), Nicklas Helenius (Aalborg), Leandro Bacuna (Groningen), Jores Okore (Nordsjaelland), Antonio Luna (Sevilla), Jed Steer (Norwich)
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Guzan; Lowton, Okore, Vlaar, Luna; Westwood, Sylla, Delph; Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor
Predicted Finish (Average of Authors): 12th
