Having failed to mount a serious challenge last season on the basis of not scoring enough goals, it's not entirely clear that Brian Little has solved the problem by spending £7 million on Stan Collymore. The former Liverpool player is even more temperamental than Savo Milosevic, the man he appears to be destined to replace, and not exactly the sort that a tilt at the title should ideally rely on.

Having said that even at Liverpool, where he was ultimately regarded as a failure, his strike rate was always highly respectable and if he does settle well, then Villa, for whom Steve Staunton (pictured) could also make a crucial contribution over the coming months, may do well.

Manager: Brian Little. In: Stan Collymore (from Liverpool) £7 million, Simon Grayson (from Leicester) £1.35 million.

Out: Gareth Farrelly (to Everton) £700,000.

Last Season: Fifth. FA Cup: Fourth round. Coca-Cola Cup: Fourth round.

UEFA Cup: First round.

Betting: 20 to 1.