Sky Sports journalist Patrick Rowe has provided the lowdown on Unai Emery's side ahead of Brentford's Premier League trip to Villa Park on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off BST).
Villa made sweeping changes to their squad during the summer and endured a slow start to the Premier League season, but victory over Tottenham Hotspur before the international break provided a timely boost.
Rowe discusses how Villa are adapting following their summer overhaul, the club's ambitions after last season's Europa League triumph, and why Zion Suzuki, Nicolas Jackson and Johan Manzambi could pose a threat to Keith Andrews' side.
Aston Villa went into the first international break of the season 16th, having taken four points from their first five games. How would you summarise their start to 2026/27?
It has been a slow start for a new era at Aston Villa, but the win against Tottenham means they will come into this one with a degree of confidence.
With so many changes in the summer window, losing Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins, Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Martínez and Lucas Digne, there was always going to be an adjustment period.
But Johan Manzambi announced himself to the fans with a goal and assist before the break, Nicolas Jackson looks like a striker ready-made for the club, and Zion Suzuki has been an instant hit.
Villa started last season slowly, without a goal scored until late September, but ended it with silverware. Whether or not this season replicates that remains to be seen, but Unai Emery is not one to panic.
A slow start, yes, but it could be coming together slowly.
"A slow start, yes, but it could be coming together"
Villa were one of the busier Premier League clubs in the summer, with 10 first-team players sold and 11 brought in, including two loanees. Would you say they came out of the window stronger, weaker or about the same?
It is hard to tell just yet. Suzuki looks to be one of the signings of the summer. It is rare that you replace a player like Emiliano Martínez so easily, but the Japan international has not put a foot wrong so far.
Manzambi looks like a real talent, but he will need time, despite that performance against Spurs. Ibrahim Mbaye has looked bright, but is yet to really get a chance. Alejandro Garnacho is also being given time to adjust.
Time will tell whether they are stronger or weaker. Losing the spine of the team, like Villa did, is always going to be tough.
But an overhaul was needed given the ageing squad and the current financial climate all clubs find themselves in.
Winning the Europa League last season ended the club's 30-year wait for a major trophy. Do they have their eyes on another, whether that is domestically or in Europe, this time around?
While supporters and players will always measure success in silverware, Unai Emery has always prioritised Europe as the main objective.
When he talks about domestic cups, he always mentions the avenue of securing European football. They are back in the Champions League this season and that, coupled with performances in the Premier League, will always be the priority.
Nobody would say no to adding to the trophy cabinet, though!
Which player should Brentford fans be keeping an eye on this Saturday?
Jackson and Manzambi grabbed the headlines during the win against Spurs.
John McGinn is a constant threat in the final third and you cannot give Emi Buendía any space outside the area, he's got a tendency to find the top corner.
My outside shout is to please watch Suzuki. He is an excellent shot-stopper, but he personifies calmness with the ball at his feet and his passing ability is something to behold for a goalkeeper.
What should Keith Andrews' side expect in terms of shape and style?
It is new personnel, but the same formation really. It looks to be a 4-4-2, with one of Buendía or Manzambi playing off the striker.
Boubacar Kamara, one of the best midfielders in the league, in my opinion, will likely be paired with João Gomes in midfield. McGinn plays out on the right, but loves to cut in. Buendía also drifts infield from the left.
Do not be surprised to see one of Mbaye or Garnacho featuring out wide, though.
The new-look backline could feature Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Matty Cash at right-back. Matteo Ruggeri, the new signing from Atlético Madrid, did very well at left-back last time out.
Villa need him given the injury to Ian Maatsen.
Brentford won both Premier League meetings 1-0 last season. What's your score prediction this time around?
I will say it will be a 1-1 draw this time around.
Brentford are in superb form, but with Villa starting to piece things together, I think it will be a well-contested game where both teams walk away with a point.