Aston Villa: Is the Current Squad Good Enough to Avoid Relegation?

According to the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa are "unlikely to do further business before the Premier League kick-off on Saturday."

While this doesn't mean that the club will not make any more signings before the transfer window closes, Villa have been conspicuous by their absence in transfer rumours of late.

With five players signed this summer and a new manager in place, has the club done enough to secure a good position in the league next season?

Former international Robbie Savage doesn't think so.

Speaking for BBC Sport, the Welshman tipped the Villains for relegation. Savage called Villa "a poor team" and implied that the squad hasn't been improved enough from last year's crop, saying that "they've still got a lot of players from last year".

After two seasons of relegation worries, Villa will be looking to finish with a safe mid-table position at least. The club had problems throughout the team last season, and Paul Lambert has done a good job of identifying these areas and bringing in reinforcements.

One of Villa's most criticised players last season was right-back Alan Hutton. The Scot looked shaky throughout the 31 games he played and bringing in a replacement was essential.

Lambert has continued the Villa trend of looking for young English talent by bringing in Matthew Lowton from Sheffield United.

From his performances in pre-season, Lowton already looks to be an upgrade from Hutton. His defensive positioning looks solid and he has been dangerous attacking down the right flank. However, he is untested at this level and will have to adjust quickly.

Villa's biggest problem last year was their inability to score goals, and that will be their biggest challenge again this year.

Having Darren Bent back in the side after his ankle injury is akin to a new signing for the club. Despite missing three months of the season, the 28-year-old was still Villa's top scorer with ten goals.

If Bent can stay healthy for the season, then he practically guarantees the club enough goals to keep them in the league next year. If he can't, then scoring goals could become a massive headache for the team.

Bent being back may not be enough though, the team will still need to create chances for the striker. Last season the team were incapable of providing consistent service to the forwards but this is another area that has been looked at.

Brett Holman and Karim El Ahmadi have been imported from the Dutch Eredivisie to help the midfield situation.

Holman has played primarily on the left flank for Villa in the preseason, and has acquitted himself very well. Charles N'Zogbia played inconsistently last term and having another option on the left provides the depth that the squad has lacked last year.

The play of El Ahmadi could be the key to Villa's season. He will play in the deep-lying role that Stiliyan Petrov has played in for the club. The Moroccan will be vital in getting the ball to Villa's more creative outlets.

If he can do this, then there will be a huge improvement going forward; but, if he struggles in the role, then Villa could be overwhelmed in the centre of the park.

Just because many of the same players have remained from last year, it doesn't mean we should expect similar results from the team.

Shay Given is still a top-quality keeper and the defence should be rejuvenated by the progression of Ciaran Clark and the signing of Ron Vlaar.

If Stephen Warnock leaves the club, then the left-back position will be a worry. Lambert has played Enda Stevens in the preseason, and he looks set to be first-choice this season.

Overall, the Villa squad is a much improved unit this year and should be capable of finishing comfortably in mid-table at least. After big players leaving the club in past summers, Villa keeping the squad together may be the continuity that they need.

Do you think that Villa's squad is capable of staying up this season? Or do you agree with Robbie Savage and think the club is destined for the Championship? Post your comments below.