Summary
- AI predicts four new signings to bolster Aston Villa’s starting lineup.
- Jack Grealish could make a sensational return to Villa Park, with a Manchester City exit expected.
- Ollie Watkins expected to continue as Villa’s striker despite interest from Manchester United.
Aston Villa are preparing for European football once again under Unai Emery in the 2025/26 season, this time in the Europa League.
The Villans’ quest for back-to-back seasons in the Champions League ended on the final day of the Premier League campaign at Old Trafford following a defeat which involved a controversial disallowed goal from Morgan Rogers.
Still, NSWE and Monchi will be working hard in the transfer market to bolster Emery’s Villa side ahead of their Premier League opener against Newcastle in August.
|
Aston Villa’s first 5 Premier League fixtures |
Date |
|---|---|
|
Aston Villa vs Newcastle |
August 16 |
|
Brentford vs Aston Villa |
August 23 |
|
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace |
August 30 |
|
Everton vs Aston Villa |
September 13 |
|
Sunderland vs Aston Villa |
September 20 |
Grok, the AI tool on X, has predicted Villa’s starting line-up for the new season, with four new signings in the XI.
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AI predicts Aston Villa’s 2025/26 line-up
1
GK: Lucas Chevalier
With Emiliano Martinez linked with a Villa Park exit, French goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier has been predicted to come in as the new number one.
Grok says he could cost £40m from Lille and that Chevalier’s ‘youth and distribution suit Emery’s style’.
2
RB: Matty Cash
Matty Cash has become a regular for Villa since joining back in 2021 from Nottingham Forest, making close to 200 appearances for the club.
‘A mainstay under Emery’, Cash offers ‘defensive solidity and attacking overlaps’ and looks set to keep his place at right-back.
3
CB: Pau Torres
Despite having some injury issues in 24/25, Pau Torres ended the season in Emery’s side and has been backed to keep his place in the XI.
|
Pau Torres’ Aston Villa stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Games |
73 |
|
Goals |
2 |
|
Assists |
3 |
|
Yellow cards |
4 |
|
Red cards |
0 |
‘A key figure in Villa’s build-up play’, the Spaniard is ‘likely to stay unless a major offer arrives’.
4
CB: Loic Bade
Partnering Torres at centre-back could be a new signing in Sevilla defender Loic Bade, who Aston Villa were linked with the Frenchman at the beginning of 2025.
Grok states ‘Monchi’s interest in the Sevilla defender suggests a potential upgrade alongside Torres, replacing the loaned Axel Disasi’ in a £25m transfer.
5
LB: Ian Maatsen
No changes at left-back are expected according to Grok, who have predicted Ian Maatsen to get the nod over Lucas Digne.
Signed from Chelsea, ‘Maatsen’s attacking flair and versatility make him a long-term starter over Digne’.
6
CM: Youri Tielemans
Despite not ruling out a summer exit from Villa Park, Youri Tielemans has been backed to keep his place in the XI under Emery.
“There’s nothing definitive or ruled out about whether I’ll stay or leave. But I feel good at Aston Villa; I feel a lot of confidence from the club and the manager.”
The Belgian has two years remaining on his Aston Villa contract and his experience and passing range anchor the midfield.
7
CM: John McGinn
Alongside Tielemans is captain John McGinn, who is also under contract at Villa Park until 2027.
The Scot has now been with Villa for seven years and is the captain of Emery’s side, so it’s no surprise that he’s expected to retain his place in the XI.
8
RW: Leon Bailey
Despite rumours of a move to Saudi Arabia, winger Leon Bailey is predicted to start for Aston Villa next season.
The Jamaica international only contributed to six goals in 38 appearances last season, and his ‘pace and directness keep him in the side’.
9
AM: Jack Grealish
What a return this could be. With Jack Grealish likely to leave Manchester City this summer, Aston Villa have been predicted to bring the boyhood Villa fan back to the Midlands.
According to Grok, a ‘sensational return to Villa for £40m would see Grealish slot into the No. 10 role, leveraging his creativity and fan connection’.
10
LW: Jadon Sancho
Another new addition in the final third could be Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, who appears to be surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
After a successful loan move for Marcus Rashford last season, Villa have been backed to seal a loan-to-buy deal which ‘could see Sancho revive his career under Emery, offering flair on the left’.