Villans of the Century

By Jeff McIntyre | 20th February 2009

Villans of the Century | read this item

martin-oneill Is this the greatest Aston Villa club of the century?

Currently standing third in the table and going into Saturday’s match 2 points ahead of their opponent Chelsea, Villa are playing some of their best football in years. This weekend’s game will prove the true barometer of where the Villans stand and where they will likely finish this season. Having only lost one time in their last 17, Martin O’Neill’s boys are vying for a top spot in Europe next year. Could the Champions League be a possibility?

If Aston Villa holds on to current position, it will be their best finish in the Premier League since the league’s inception in 1992/93 when they finished runners-up to Manchester United. Although things are looking solid for a spot in Europe, there are still 13 games to go and some mountainous hills to climb. In addition to this weekend’s matchup with Chelsea at Villa Park, the Villans also have tough games left at Anfield and Old Trafford.

Aston Villa is no stranger to success, however, having won the First Division (top flight prior to the Premiership) seven times, European and Super European Cups once each, the FA Cup seven times and the League Cup five times.

Now, this Villa team may be the best of this century, but it may be a little too early to compare them with some of the legendary clubs and greats like Paul McGrath, Johnny Dixon, Sid Cowans and Charlie Aitken. The current generation of players is showing promise in an era of commerce and fluctuation. Names like Agbonlahor, Heskey, Friedel, Barry and Young are giving fans at Villa Park cause for celebration.

If the club is “Prepared” as their motto and shield would indicate, this 2009 team of claret and blue should finish top 3 in the greatest football league in the world. Not too shabby indeed.

Will Villa beat Chelsea this weekend? Leave your predictions in the Premiership Talk Predictions Game!

Reader Comments

The below views are those of our readers and do not reflect the opinions of Premiership Talk or its employees.

Brian Lofrumento says:

February 20, 2009 at 1:39 pm

I’m in agreement with Zain here. I think Chelsea’s star studded squad will shine through in the end, and the experience of players like Ballack, Terry, and Lampard is invaluable.

But, as you said, Jeff, this Villa team is awfully impressive at the moment. I think it would be good for Villa, good for the Prem, and good for football if Villa can beat Chelsea. It’s not always about money, and the humble Villa side that O’Neill has assembled is fantastic to see.

Reply to this Comment
Jeff McIntyre says:

February 20, 2009 at 1:27 pm

Zain,

Thanks for the feedback.
Just so you know, for me personally, I hope they play to a draw and my Reds win, so we can pull further ahead from the number 3 spot.

But if there were any club that scared me the most to overtake LFC, it would certainly be the Villans not Chelski.

Cheers,

Jeff

Reply to this Comment
Zain Alvi says:

February 20, 2009 at 12:51 pm

It’s been a great season indeed for Aston Villa and your admiration for their success is definitely justifiable. Still, I feel Chelsea will win at Villa Park because I just can’t imagine the likes of Lamps, JT, and Ballack allow themselves to witness a repeat of the pathetic display at Old Trafford. At the end of the day, Chelsea will prove to be too experienced for Aston Villa as far as third place is concerned. When they are left to battle it out for the fourth, Arsenal will edge them in that area as well, not because of experience, but just because of greater quality.

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