With the January window now open, teams across the Premier League are looking to strengthen their teams for varying reasons. For some, survival is paramount. But for teams like Aston Villa, the goal is so much loftier as the window offers a chance to consolidate and possibly even overachieve this season. Unai Emery’s men head into the winter break in fantastic position. The Villans are second in the log with 42 points from 20 games, 3 points behind table-toppers Liverpool. Make no mistake, they are firmly in the race for Champions League qualification and the January window provides the perfect opportunity to get the players that can help them achieve their lofty goals. Emery and his players are cautiously downplaying their chances in the title race, but Villa, fueled by momentum, have fans daring to dream of a historic first Premier League crown. The ex-Arsenal boss got his trusted man and transfer guru Monchi from Sevilla last summer and together, they will assess the squad and make the required changes to keep challenging in the league and the Europa Conference League. As the Villans attempts to challenge the Premier League status quo, we assess their needs in the January window, while giving you the best betting offers around. **What are the positions Aston Villa must strengthen?** For a squad as stretched as Villa’s, having just one senior right-back of any real quality is a dangerous game to play. Emery has reportedly been pushing for a signing in that position since arriving 13 months ago. Matty Cash has been excellent, balancing his defensive abilities with a keen desire to get forward, but he cannot play every game. A right-back to provide competition and support for Cash is an increasing priority, and should be addressed as soon as possible. Another position that requires attention is the centre-forward position, and what has become an over-reliance on Ollie Watkins. Under Emery’s guidance, the 27-year-old has reached new heights with 17 goal contributions (9G, 8A) in 20 league games. It keeps him well on track to beat last season’s tally of 21 goal contributions but also demonstrates his massive improvement as a footballer over the past 12 months. While these stats are very impressive, an injury to Watkins could ruin Villa’s chances of playing Champions League football next season, and Betking, Nigeria’s best online sports betting site has the best odds for Emery’s men to finish in the top four, as well as high odds for Watkins to win the Golden Boot.
Here are 3 players we believe can strengthen Aston Villa’s case to win a first Premier League title. **Jeremie Frimpong (Wing-back – Bayer Leverkusen)** This is one player that has been on the radar of pretty much every top club in Europe. Frimpong is a joy to watch, sprinting down the wing, attacking with menace, and playing almost like a winger in Xabi Alonso’s 3-4-3 formation. He would slot seamlessly into Emery’s system at Villa, providing an upgrade on Matty Cash in the final third. Since the Dutch wing back is going to be in such high demand in the summer, a January transfer would be the best option for Aston Villa since they’re likely to face a bidding war in the summer transfer window as the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona look to improve their teams. Furthermore, Frimpong reportedly has a modest £35 million release clause in his contract, a fee that Villa could easily afford and one that would certainly be worth it. As it stands, the major stumbling block for Villa is the fact that Bayer Leverkusen will be reluctant to sell, in light of their own unlikely title challenge. **Marcus Acuna (Wing-back – Sevilla)** Marcos Acuna was heavily linked to Villa in the summer and Emery could still try to sign him despite Lucas Digne’s outstanding form. The situation with Digne at Villa Park has not always been smooth, and even his recent sparkling form has done nothing to quell rumors of an impending exit. The Frenchman is also among the highest earners at the club and a departure would help balance the books, while bringing in an improvement. Monchi is familiar with Acuna from their time together with Sevilla and the full-back’s style aligns with Villa’s preference for an adventurous left-back. This versatility was evident in his role on the left wing for Argentina during their triumph at the last year’s World Cup. Acuna offers a useful outlet on the left flank and with [3.36 shot-creating actions per 90](https://fbref.com/en/players/81442ecb/Marcos-Acuna) , Emery would be getting another guaranteed creator on a budget. At 32 with 18 months left on his deal, this is certainly a smart purchase for a player with enormous value as an offensive weapon. **Anthony Martial (Striker – Manchester United)** Anthony Martial’s time is at Old Trafford, everyone can see that. 19 goals in the last 4 seasons, and 2 in 19 appearances this campaign are shocking numbers for a player who was once touted as having Ballon d’Or potential. Injuries have certainly played a part, but when fit, there has been very little to prove that he can still shine as United’s main man. The solution might be a change of scenery which a move to Villa would certainly offer. Martial showed what he was capable of when filled with confidence in the 2019/20 season, bagging 23 goals in 40 starts. He is still only 28 and his contract at Old Trafford expires in the summer, making this potentially an easy deal to do for Villa. He will provide cover for Watkins and play alongside the English striker when Emery chooses to go all-out attack. This is a deal that may raise eyebrows but has very little downside considering the potential finances involved. In conclusion, Aston Villa have defied the odds so far. With the right additions and a healthy amount of luck, Emery’s men could even repeat what Leicester City so famously did in 2016. Take advantage of our professional betting tips by backing Unai Emery to lead Aston Villa to their first ever Premier League title.
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