Aston Villa legend Ian Taylor makes prediction for Premier League campaign

Aston Villa legend Ian Taylor claims the days of nail-biting last-gasp escapes are over for Dean Smith’s side as they spend big to kick on.

Ex-Villa midfielder turned club ambassador Taylor was one of the select few in the stands to see them beat the drop on the final day at West Ham.

Taylor, a lifelong Villa fan, has since attended all of their encouraging pre-season games – including wins over Arsenal and Manchester United.

New £28million club-record striker Ollie Watkins hit the winner against United at Villa Park on Saturday.

He is looking sharp along with right-back Matty Cash who cost £14m from Nottingham Forest.

They are set to be joined this week by £16m keeper Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal and £17m Lyon winger Bertrand Traore.

Boss Smith is also interested in Werder Bremen’s £18m-rated winger Milot Rashica and potentially another striker to push the club’s spend past £100m.

It has got fans excited and Taylor admits he and even boss Smith are too ahead of tonight’s EFL tie at League One Burton Albion.

Taylor, 52, who played for Villa from 1993-2003, said: “It was such a roller-coaster last season but to get across the line was brilliant.

“Now we are not thinking about surviving, we are thinking about consolidating and hopefully getting as far up the league as we can.

“Last year was tough after winning the play-offs because you don’t have much time to get the signings but we managed to stay up by the skin of our teeth.

“Now we are looking to push on for sure.

“The little break has probably done us a favour because we still have the euphoria of staying up and now are adding to the squad.

“It has been good.

“I’ve spoken to Dean briefly and he is very upbeat about the new season , as we all are.

“We are looking upwards instead of thinking about survival.”

Taylor expects Villa to play 4-3-3 again this term after Smith’s bold approach in last season’s run-in paid off.

He added: “Hopefully we will still be solid at the back like we were when we tightened up after lockdown but with a bit more punch going forwards as the transfers have suggested.

“We look like we are going to have a lot more competition up the top of the pitch.”

The only sour note for Taylor is that games remain behind closed doors due to the coronavirus.

Supporters will again be missing on Monday when Sheffield United visit.

Taylor added: “Opening game of the season we have Sheffield United and we know Villa Park would have been filled to the rafters with such a fantastic atmosphere.

“I feel so sorry for the fans not being there.

“I’ve always been a fan and am in a privileged position to go and watch the games still.

“But the fans missing is such a massive minus it is unreal.”