MANAGER: Martin O'Neill (Aug 2006)

MAJOR INS: Stewart Downing (Boro, £12m), Fabian Delph (Leeds, undisclosed), Habib Beye (Newcastle, undisclosed), Stephen Warnock (Blackburn, undisclosed)

MAJOR OUTS: Gareth Barry (Man City, £12m), Zat Knight (Bolton, undisclosed)

KEY MAN: Ashley Young (100 apps, 20 gls)
Squad selector: Pick your Villa XI

LAST SEASON: 6th

OUR VERDICT: 8th. The influential Barry's exit is a blow and Villa cannot spend like some other Champs Lge wannabees. Also, Downing is out injured until December.
Watch Lawro's verdict on Villa