The Premier League Game of Thrones
By Ryan Wrenn
Tim Sherwood – Aston Villa
Projected Finish: 14th
How’d he do?
Only two and a half months into his reign, it’s still fair to call the transformation Villa have experienced under Sherwood something like a miracle. He’s enlivened a side that seemed doomed to relegation under Paul Lambert and done so by playing positive, attractive soccer. Though he’s earned Villa a place in the FA Cup final against Arsenal, there’s still a real danger of relegation. This weekend’s game at Manchester City along with a visit to Southampton in a couple weeks will likely be the biggest stumbling blocks of the remainder of the season. With a bit of luck and a lot of heart, he should keep Villa among the rarified elite to never have been relegated from the Premier League.
Season Highlight: Benteke’s recent astounding run of goals.
Season Lowlight: A perhaps ominous 5-0 loss to Arsenal that helped precipitate Lambert’s ousting in February.
Future?
Most likely In. Ensuring Villa’s survival will undoubtedly keep Sherwood at Villa next season. He’ll have to contend with inevitable interest in Benteke and will most certainly have to reign in an unbalanced attack. Assuming he’s up for it, he could bring the success to Villa that was expected under Lambert.