It has been one eventful summer at Villa Park with signings, silverware and sales all in evidence. But now the real business begins.

Wigan Athletic are the first side to tackle the Claret and Blue and they will be confident of at least a draw, taking into account the form book which shows an unbeaten record at Villa Park.

But, the self-confidence which could consume new Latics boss Roberto Martinez and his men may be not be a one off when it comes to opposition sides at Villa Park this season.

Premier League gaffers up and down the country will have noted that Villa have made relatively few additions to their squad and some key men have been lost.

Former captains Gareth Barry and Martin Laursen are said to be irreplaceable while useful squad players like Stuart Taylor and Zat Knight have also passed through the exit doors.

Manager Martin O’Neill has reacted by signing a crocked £12m winger who cannot play until December and a defender from crisis club Newcastle.

The Northern Irishman has also moved quickly to emphasise just how good Man City could be this season and he has firmly backed their title bid.

Strange actions some may say, but make no mistake O’Neill could just be playing the game in just the right manner.

He now has at his disposal a largely youthful yet determined squad which illustrated that it is capable of handling the limelight with a prestigious Peace Cup win.

Add to that new signing Fabian Delph, who has been cited as the new Steven Gerrard, and things look promising.

Talents

Players like exciting winger Marc Albrighton and languid target man Nathan Delfouneso are rocketing towards the first team picture and it will be no surprise to see them add to their handful of first team appearances this season.

Albrighton is a player who could really pressure Ashley Young and James Milner in terms of the wide berths and Downing will certainly have his work cut out to earn a place in the first 11 on his return.

Other prodigious talents include centre-back Ciaran Clark and right-back Eric Lichaj, who possesses what can only be described as a Rory Delap-like throwing technique.

Villa really do have gold in reserve and O’Neill is more than aware of their capabilities.

He is, however, also aware that they will not react well to being put under too much pressure. He does not want to burden them with the inevitable expectation that comes with a Villa first team shirt.

O’Neill has taken the pressure off while slowly cranking up the involvement of his youngsters in the first team picture.

It worked a treat in Spain where Villa’s half-youth, half-regular team, conquered the likes of Porto and Juventus. It was oh so impressive from such an emerging bunch.

In 1995, former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen claimed that Manchester United wouldn’t win anything by playing their kids. At the time, United had a squad with an average age of just 24.

But, Ryan Giggs and co went on to claim the Premier League title that year and dispel Hansen’s firmly held beliefs.

So could Villa really do the impossible and claim the crown with Albrighton and Delfouneso in the driving seat? Well, no but they could once again push the top four.

Pressure

The element of surprise should never be underestimated and no one will really throw Villa into the top four equation this season.

But, let us not forget, Man City with Barry in the centre of midfield and Arsenal with stars like Cesc Fabregas and Andre Arshavin in their ranks, will have an unprecedented amount of pressure placed on their powerful shoulders.

And, consequently, they could choke leaving the door open to a challenger/dark horse. Villa could be that side.

Of the other top four rivals, Everton have failed to add to their squad and their key man Joleon Lescott wants out which cannot be good for preparations.

Tottenham have an experienced head at the helm in Harry Redknapp but with the White Hart Lane crowd as expectant as ever, could they fall at the first hurdle once again.

Fulham are unlikely to improve on last season when they shocked many and finished 7^th so Villa, should they keep themselves together should be confident of another good campaign.

Teams like Stoke, Hull, Portsmouth and Wolves are also-rans, whilst Birmingham and Burnley may not hold out huge hope of survival let alone victories against top six sides.

All that means Villa have a great chance to upset the odds. But keep it quiet because O’Neill doesn’t want anyone to know.