Setting expectations before the season begins is part of one's fandom. Few, if any, Aston Villa supporters actually believe that Unai Emery will be able to win the Premier League. While the club can put up a bigger fight than what others are anticipating, the current situation in the EPL makes it somewhat difficult to see Villa able to pose anything close to an actual title threat.
According to a post shared on X, Opta Analyst gives Aston Villa a 5.1% chance to win the league title this season. The service lists Villa at the same probability level as Newcastle United.
Given how the transfer windows have gone for both clubs in terms of transfer additions, it makes sense to a degree to view both in a similar light. The big difference, however, that is being overlooked, is that Newcastle have actively attempted to sign new players. Villa, on the other hand, have purposefully maintained their current approach of keeping the same roster intact.
Newcastle are also on the verge of actually losing Alexander Isak, while Villa, despite the countless rumors and reports, are going to enter the campaign with the same regular starters as carryovers.
Over the course of a season, anything can happen. While others have done well for themselves in terms of adding new players, a lot of scenarios can play out. Even so, injuries can happen, and sides can enter a particularly difficult stretch.
Reasonable Aston Villa expectations
There is always the possibility of others having too many off-games, while Villa continue to stay in the picture of a potential title race.
Heading into the year, though, most Villa fans will be happy to see Unai Emery's side remain in Champions League contention.
It has to be remembered that the EPL is the ultimate barometer. A good start, and depending on how everything else unfolds could potentially see Villa in contention a little longer than what most are believing to be possible at the moment.