summary
AI forecasts four new signatures to bolster Aston Villa’s starting lineup.
Jack Grelish was able to make a sensational return to Villa Park, with the expected exit from Manchester City.
Ollie Watkins expected to continue as a villa striker despite interest from Manchester United.
Aston Villa is preparing for European football again this time in the Europa League, and for the 2025/26 season.
The villain’s quest for back-to-back season in the Champions League ended at the end of the final day of the Premier League campaign at Old Trafford after a loss with an incontroversial goal from Morgan Rodgers.
Still, NSWE and Monchi are working hard in the transfer market to strengthen Emery’s Villa side ahead of the Premier League opening match against Newcastle in August.
Aston Villa’s first five Premier League fixtures | date |
|---|---|
Aston Villa vs Newcastle | August 16th |
Brentford vs Aston Villa | August 23rd |
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace | August 30th |
Everton vs Aston Villa | September 13th |
Sunderland vs Aston Villa | September 20th |
X’s AI tool Grok predicted the starting lineup for Villa for the new season, with Xi having four new signatures.
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AI predicts Aston Villa’s 2025/26 lineup
1
Goalkeeper: Lucas Chevalier
With Emiliano Martinez linked to the Villa Park exit, French goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier is expected to enter as the new number one.
Groke costs £40 million from the reel and calls Chevalier’s “Emery Style” “Youth and Distribution Suits.”
2
RB: Matty Cash
Since joining from Nottingham Forest in 2021, Matty Cash has been a regular at Villa and has appeared in the club nearly 200 times.
“The mainstay under Emery”, cash appears to be set to offer “defensive solidity and offensive overlap” and keep his place right back.
3
CB: Pau Torres
Despite some injuries issues on 24/25, Pau Torres was supported to finish the season on Emery’s side and maintain his position in XI.
Aston Villa Statistics in Pau Torres | |
|---|---|
game | 73 |
the goal | 2 |
assist | 3 |
Yellow Card | 4 |
Red card | 0 |
The Spaniard, who is “a key figure in the villa build-up play,” is “a likely to stay unless a major offer arrives.”
4
CB: Loic Bade
Partnering with Torres at centre-back could be a new signature at Sevilla defender Lois Bade, who Aston Villa had linked to the Frenchman in early 2025.
Grok has suggested Monchi’s interest in Sevilla Defender, along with Torres, replacing Axel Disasi, which was loaned out on a £25 million transfer.
5
LB: Ian Maatsen
According to Grok, who predicted Ian Maatsen to nod to Lucas Digne, nods to the left-back, there is no expected change.
“Matzen’s offensive talent and versatility make him a long-term starter,” signed by Chelsea.
6
CM: Youri Tielemans
Despite not ruled out the summer exit from Villa Park, Youri Tielemans was assisted in maintaining his place with Xi under Emery.
“There’s nothing definitive or excluded as to whether I’m staying or leaving. But I feel good at Aston Villa. I feel a lot of confidence from the club and the manager.”
The Belgian remains in his Aston Villa contract and his experience anchoring the mid-range of his experience and passing.
7
CM: John McGinn
Alongside the Tillémans is Captain John McGinn. John McGinn will be signing a contract at Villa Park until 2027.
The Scots have been with the villa for seven years now and is the captain of Emery’s side. So it’s not surprising that he is expected to retain his place in XI.
8
RW: Leon Bailey
Despite rumors about a move towards Saudi Arabia, winger Leon Bailey is expected to start for Aston Villa next season.
Jamaica International contributed six goals in 38 appearances last season, with his “pace and directness keeping him by his side.”
9
AM: Jack Greyle
What a return this might come to mind. Aston Villa is expected to return his boyhood villa fans to the Midlands as he is likely to leave Manchester City this summer.
According to Grok, “A sensational return to the villa at £40 million will leverage his creativity and fan connections to lead Grail’s slot into the 10th place role.”
10
LW: Jadon Sancho
There could be another new addition to the last third. Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho looks like a surplus to Old Trafford’s requirements.
After the successful loan move for Marcus Rashford last season, Villa said, “Sancho was supported to seal the loan-to-by deal, where you can see him reviving his career under Emery and offering a flare to the left.
