Premier League Preview: Aston Villa

After flirting with relegation last year Aston Villa will be looking to build on their form at the end of the season. Paul Lambert started to see the rewards of his long-term project during the last ten games-or-so of the season and will be wanting to push on, targeting a mid-table finish this year.

Whilst Villa's transfer activity kept relatively quiet, Lambert has continued his youth project, signing six players under 24 years old and clearing out a number of fringe players. Whilst all signings are relative unknowns, Lambert has proven experience signing hidden gems, as demonstrated by his signing of Christian Benteke so we await to see how these players will perform as the season continues.

With Shay Given the only player aged over 30, it is clear to see the youthful revolution occuring at Villa. With Borussia Dortmund demonstrating that youth can indeed prosper, it will be interesting to see how far Aston Villa can progress over the next few years as their team mature and gain more Premier League experience. Lambert will certainly not expect to be in the relegation zone again and should be aiming for mid-table.

Key Player: Christian Benteke - Without a shadow of a doubt the best piece of business done by Aston Villa this summer was getting their talisman striker to sign a new contract. Without Benteke last season Villa would probably have already played their opening games of the season in the Championship so this highlights his importance to the squad. Lambert will be looking for Benteke to replicate his form from last season as they aim towards the top half of the table.

One to Watch: Andreas Weimann - Whilst Benteke stole the headlines last season, his strike partner Andrew Weimann also prospered, linking well with Benteke but living in his shadows. With three goals in pre-season it will be interesting to see how well his relationship with Benteke has improved in the off season and if they can feed off each other.

Best Summer Signing: Jores Okore - The young centre-back already has seven international caps for Denmark and turned down a move to Chelsea in January. A formidable pairing could form between Okore and Vlaar if the pacey youngster is given pitch-time.

Last Season: 15th

Pre-Season Prediction: 10th - With Lambert at the helm, the Villa Revolution Ship will sail higher up the table.