Aston Villa 2026/27 Betting Preview

Europa League champions Aston Villa finished 4th last campaign and will now return to the Champions League under Unai Emery.

Having finished above Liverpool, Aston Villa will have their eyes set on sealing a top three place this time round. Nathan Joyes talks through whether that is achievable and his best betting tips ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.

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Team analysis

Aston Villa play with an organised yet attacking style under Unai Emery. Not only are they comfortable in possession but Villa are equally dangerous on the counter-attack, using quick transitions and wide players to create chances - especially away from home.

Villa are also highly effective from set pieces, making corners and free-kicks an important part of their attacking threat. Although they are generally well organised at the back, their high defensive line can leave space for opponents to exploit.

So, what can Emery achieve this time round?

There’s no doubt that the Spaniard is one of the best head coaches in the league, and after four years at the club, he’s managed to take the club to new heights each and every season. Whether he can break into the top three will be his most difficult task to date, but there’s no denying he has the squad - and tactics - to achieve great things once more.

Villa Park can so often be a fortress. Emery saw his team pick up more points than Liverpool did at Anfield last campaign. However, consistency is required if they are to finish ahead of either team from Manchester.

Balancing the Premier League alongside the Champions League can so often hold clubs back who are not used to regularly playing in both competitions. However, Emery is a man who transformed Aston Villa and proved last season his team can excel on both fronts when winning the Europa League. The Champions League is a different beast, but they've previously proven they have what it takes to compete - especially at Villa Park. It’s now over to his players to showcase that once more.

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Key players

Aston Villa have made three major signings thus far in the window. Unai Emery was able to take advantage of Wolves’ relegation by bringing in Joao Gomes for £35m, although their most eye-catching signing was Johan Manzambi for £50m who excelled at the 2026 World Cup.

His other main signing, albeit controversial character, was Alejandro Garnacho who has joined on loan from Chelsea, offering more width to their attack. If anyone can revive a player, it’s Emery, and many will be keen to see how the Spaniard deals with the Argentine.

Hoping to receive plenty of service from their new winger will be Ollie Watkins. The 30-year-old bagged 16 Premier League goals last season and will once again be an outside selection to win the Golden Boot if Erling Haaland fails to deliver.

They will, however, have to cope without Morgan Rogers after his £120m move to Chelsea. The 24-year-old contributed 10 goals and six assists last campaign, and the England international will be a huge miss for Villa.

Emery will be hoping Mazambi and Garnacho can help fill the void, although don’t be surprised if they dive into the market for one more major signing before the window slams shut.

Season prediction

So, what can Aston Villa achieve this time round? As mentioned, Emery has managed to improve each and every season, and the Europa League winners will be competitive once more at the top of the table.

However, losing Morgan Rogers and dealing with the pressure of the Champions League could take its toll on Emery’s squad. A top four finish may not be as easy to achieve if either Liverpool or Chelsea bounce back as the market anticipates.

Yet Aston Villa are odds-against (5/4) to finish in the top six. Spurs are fancied by the bookmakers to clinch that last spot, but they have a lot of work to do after two poor campaigns, and Villa look far more prepared to at least secure a Europa League spot.

This looks a really solid bet to get on ahead of the new campaign kicking off.

Another angle would be to look at Ollie Watkins who is 16/1 to win the Golden Boot. And while that doesn’t look likely, backing him each-way at four places could be a smart angle with the Englishman set to lead the line once more.