OPINION
Aston Villa will head into the 2017/18 Championship season as one of the favourites to earn promotion to the Premier League.
This is Futbol analyses which three players will be key to their promotion charge.
James Chester – The Wales international was purchased by the club’s former manager Roberto Di Matteo in 2016 and it is fair to say that he was one of Villa’s best buys. Chester’s calmness, ability to sense danger and show leadership at the back is vital for Villa. If Chester can remain fit then he will be a key member of the team and that defensive backline.
Jonathan Kodjia – He struck 19 league goals for Villa during the recently concluded campaign before a brief suspension and then an injury cut his campaign short. Kodjia, at this moment in time, is one of the very few players who is providing that spark in the final third. His presence in the team results in Villa performing better. Given his ability to beat defenders at will and find the back of the net, you’d back Kodjia to score 20 goals next term which would be priceless for manager Steve Bruce.
Conor Hourihane – One area which has troubled Villa in recent seasons is the midfield area. The lack of goals and creativity has hurt the club. Striker Kodjia will need backup if Villa are to finish in the top-six. Playmaker Hourihane can provide that with his ability to delivers a brilliant cross added with the fact that he likes making runs into the penalty area. Bruce needs to play him in a more advanced role because he could prove to be vital next term.