All today's news and views on the Villa in two minutes.
This update has been created and reviewed by our journalists, using AI to help summarise the most up-to-date Aston Villa news. It's read aloud by an AI voice.
Josh Lobley
BBC Sport journalist
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Unai Emery says summer signings Jadon Sancho, Harvey Elliott and Victor Lindelof will all be available this weekend, but are in "different circumstances" with their level: "Sancho was not training with the group and, physically, he will need time. Harvey Elliott was training and playing consistently with Liverpool and is more or less fit. Lindelof was training individually and he is available to be with us, but he will need time to know us tactically."
Elsewhere in the squad, Emery added: "Matty Cash is available. We have some players injured who are close like [Andres] Garcia, [Boubacar] Kamara and [Amadou] Onana. Ross Barkley has a personal issue and I think he will come back and be available soon, but not yet."
On Emi Martinez and a deadline day move to Manchester United failing to materialise: "Everything happens with players, maybe staying, maybe they were close to leaving. It's normal, I understand it completely. Him staying here is good news - I am so happy. He is the best goalkeeper in the world, his commitment to Aston Villa is always massive. Emi is happy and he knows his challenge with us and the national team."
On trying to improve on a slow start: "We are trying to get everything to try to build the team as soon as possible. With signing three players [late] and [Jacob] Ramsey and [Leon] Bailey leaving, we have to adapt as soon as possible."
On Saturday's opponents: "They are playing fantastic and have experienced players. The new stadium makes the players and suppports excited. I want to play matches like this, it is a privilege as a coach."
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Listen to Everton v Aston Villa live on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds at 15:00 on Saturday
You can also listen to 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Everton v Aston Villa" or "ask BBC Sounds to play the Aston Villa game"..
Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds
Nick Mashiter
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesWhen asked about Emi Martinez before Aston Villa's defeat by Crystal Palace, Unai Emery just repeated one name.
"Bizot, Marco Bizot", he said when asked why Martinez was not in the squad. He then repeated the goalkeeper's name several times when pressed about the Argentina international's situation.
In his pre-Everton news conference at Bodymoor on Friday, the manager is not going to be able to repeat the same trick. He will need to give some answers.
Martinez did not get his desired move to Manchester United on deadline day so Emery has to use his man-management powers to reintegrate him.
The World Cup winner is Villa's best goalkeeper and he must put any disappointment behind him. His reaction will be crucial to whether the fans are willing to accept any of the aspirations he had to move on.
Emery needs Martinez - after a winless start, Villa are already playing catch-up having looked laboured in their opening three games.
The injection of Harvey Elliott, a deadline day signing from Liverpool, could be a masterstroke with the 22-year-old an exceptional player who just needs games.
Jadon Sancho's loan arrival from Manchester United fills a gap, but the England winger has much to prove and Emery needs to become the manager to harness a talent which has drifted.
Emery is due to speak to the media this afternoon - come back to this page later on for all the key lines from the Villa boss
Joe Bradshaw
BBC Sport senior journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesEarlier on Wednesday, BBC Radio WM's Mike Taylor suggested there may come a time this season where Unai Emery will need to prioritise either the Premier League or and another competition for his Aston Villa side.
This is the third campaign where Villa are involved in Europe and, as favourites for the Europa League, a hectic schedule would be the natural result of good performances.
Whether Villa's squad can handle that is uncertain.
In any case, they have the manager to do so. Taylor acknowledged that Emery, a three-time winner of the Europa League at Sevilla, knows how to navigate complex fixture runs.
So, will he have to prioritise or not?
A quick look at some numbers shows that Emery has successfully balanced winning records in domestic leagues with going deep in European competitions.
During his time at Sevilla, he twice finished fifth while leading them to Europa League glory. Only in the 2015-16 season did their league form stutter, this time slipping to seventh.
That in part could be explained by the additional difficulties of a Champions League run in the first half of the season, before they dropped into the Europa League as a consolation and went on to win it.
At Aston Villa, it has been a similar story.
Despite the huge demands of Conference League football, Villa put together their best season in decades, for a while even challenging for the title in 2023-24, before settling for Champions League qualification.
Last season, Emery's side were in the hunt for the top four until the final day, when Emi Martinez's red card at Old Trafford played a huge part in limiting their chances.
Therefore, while winning a trophy - and a European one at that - does seem a suitable goal for Emery's side this season, doing well in the league should remain vital.
And you agree.
Here is a snapshot of your comments:
Jerry: The Premier League has to be a priority as this is what leads to future progress, but we have to play more attacking football.
Damien: Winning the Europa League is obviously very appealing, but putting all your eggs in the basket of knockout football is always a huge risk. Emery is right in focusing on the league because consistently high finishes are what will build a solid base for the future - and, hopefully, more trophies to come.
Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesWhen the overhauled Villa squad assembles for the first time later this week, they will set out on a fearfully demanding yomp towards Christmas.
Aside from international 'breaks' in October and November - badly named, since most of Unai Emery's players will travel to two games in each - there is only one midweek in the next three months where Villa will have no game to play.
Even that assumes they will go no further in the Carabao Cup.
For all the excitement of the other adventures the club has had since he took over, Emery has always underlined the Premier League is the top priority without which none of the rest happens. Every manager says this for most of the season and there is no reason to doubt that Emery means it.
But - let's call this a thought experiment - what if it wasn't?
Villa's stumbling start has given a small advantage to some likely rivals for a high Premier League finish. It is far from insurmountable and Villa are capable of achieving a Champions League qualification place again.
But many observers and fans have said that the next stage for Villa must be to win something. They are favourites for the Europa League and if they justify that status, they will achieve both ambitions at the same time - win something and return to the Champions League.
In Emery they have a proven course-and-distance winner, the Red Rum of Europa League management. Nobody understands the task of running a Europa League and domestic league season simultaneously better than him.
He sets out to win every game, of course, but with Villa's workload and resources, it is likely at some point Emery will face a delicate choice, to balance priorities.
Their defence laid low by injuries, Tottenham ended up in that sort of situation last season. A fat lot of good it did their coach, you might say, but they're in the Champions League now.
If Villa were to follow a similar path, Emery could surely expect a rather more generous tribute.
Listen to full commentary of Everton v Villa at 15:00 BST on Saturday on BBC Radio WM (95.6FM)
What is Villa's priority this season?
How should Emery balance his plans?
Image source, Getty ImagesAston Villa's Ezri Konsa says scoring his first England goal was "a moment I'll never forget".
Konsa put the Three Lions three goals up in their World Cup qualifier in Serbia with his header just before half-time, England ultimately going on to win 5-0.
The 27-year-old also staked a strong claim to become Thomas Tuchel's favoured option in the second central defensive position alongside Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi.
He has featured in all of Tuchel's competitive matches in charge so far - starting four out of five - and also started 33 out of the 35 games he was available for last season for Unai Emery's side.
"Excellent night," Konsa said post-match. "Since I was a kid, you always dream about these moments.
"For it to finally happen with my whole family watching back home. It will be a moment I will never forget. To finally score was an amazing moment.
"I think it is everyone's dream to score for your country, no matter where you play. We have had a great week in camp, and we showed our levels in training."
Crystal Palace's French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, 28, finds the prospect of joining Aston Villa enticing but has no interest in a move to Leeds United but . (Teamtalk), external
Meanwhile, Manchester United have set their sights on signing Belgium centre-back Zeno Debast, 21, in January from manager Ruben Amorim's former club Sporting but Aston Villa and Arsenal are among the other sides interested. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on whether Aston Villa have a stronger squad compared with last season.
Here are some of your comments:
Malc: When all are fit, the squad is no weaker than last year. We should massage Emi Martinez's ego a little and welcome him back. A very good keeper on his day. Not sure about Europa League favourites, but we are in with a shout. Enjoy our season regardless.
Rob: After the dust has settled and barring any injuries to key starters, we still have what it takes to challenge the top six - but fifth might be our ceiling yet again. The top four teams have strengthened beyond belief, and so our best route back to the Champions League is likely to be winning the Europa League - something that is not beyond the capability of this squad. And we have half a dozen very talented 19 to 21-year-olds waiting in the wings. Write off Unai Emery at your peril.
Stephen: I agree the core of the team has stayed intact, and the addition of Jadon Sancho, who, although inconsistent, is capable of more off-the-cuff moments than Jacob Ramsey, as is Harvey Elliott in place of Leon Bailey. And Emery got Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio to show their previous form. So it's exciting times ahead.
David Michael
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesIf you compare how Aston Villa's squad shapes up now to the one that started last season's Champions League campaign, then - despite a tricky transfer window and frantic deadline day - Unai Emery may quietly feel his side, when all players are fit, is stronger at this stage than they were a year ago.
New loan arrivals Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott will not need to contribute much to improve on Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey, who started just 14 and 19 league games respectively in 2024-25 and contributed a combined two goals and seven assists. Both players are also currently sidelined with injuries at their new clubs.
Emery made no secret of targeting 'here and now' players. While there was initial scepticism over whether the loanees were simply band-aid short-term fixes, if the Villa boss can integrate them in a way that makes his side less predictable, both could offer real upside.
Each has a past connection with Morgan Rogers, and if they help the PFA Young Player of the Year reach another level, Villa will be better for it. The same goes for Ollie Watkins, who should also benefit from their ability to commit and drag defenders out of position.
Meanwhile, whatever soap opera has surrounded Emi Martinez, the reality is he remains a Villa player. And with Boubacar Kamara, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, Rogers and Watkins all still in claret and blue, the core of the team has remained intact, despite fears at the start of the summer that one or two might be lost.
This may well be the last season before the spine of the team receives surgery, but knowing it is strong enough to make Villa the bookies' favourites for the Europa League should serve as a galvanising force for Emery, Martinez and company to sharpen focus after the international break.
Find more from David Michael at My Old Man Said, external
Do you agree with David's thoughts that Villa are stronger than last season? What will it take to get them going this year?
Aston Villa, Manchester United and Newcastle United are eyeing Athletic Bilbao's Daniel Vivian and might meet the 26-year-old Spain centre-back's release clause of about £35m next summer. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesIt is not entirely surprising to see long throws making a comeback, especially with the addition of set-piece coaches and the recent sporting obsession with marginal gains.
However, the level at which they have risen might surprise.
This season the Premier League is averaging three long throws into the penalty area per game – an increase of 100% on the previous two campaigns and 233.33% more than in 2020-21.
Of course we are only 30 games into a 380-game season so therefore the sample size is small, but the numbers are clear - the long throw is certainly back in vogue.
When diving into the data for how individual clubs rank this campaign, Aston Villa come out joint-top alongside Bournemouth.
Unai Emery's side have already put 11 long throws into the penalty area across their three games - averaging 3.7 per match, perhaps something set-piece coach Austin MacPhee is targeting to get them up the table.
However, despite this use of long throws, Villa are yet to actually take advantage having not found the back of the net at all so far this season.
But how do you feel about this tactic for Villa?
Happy with the amount?
Should they be using it more or less often?
Aston Villa, Leeds United and Newcastle United are interested in Crystal Palace's 28-year-old France striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and could make a move in January. (Caught Offside), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Aston Villa and Leicester City midfielder Marc Albrighton says the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR) "need sorting out".
Villa have had to move on a number of high-profile players in recent times, including Douglas Luiz, Jhon Duran and Leon Bailey, to help them remain compliant.
That is despite the club thriving under Emery.
Albrighton was part of the Leicester team that shocked the football world by winning the Premier League in 2016 but feels the current rules limit the chances of another team challenging the traditional dominance of the division's biggest clubs.
"It is really frustrating because the Leicester victory was 10 years ago and somebody brings it up every single day - that is how special it was," he told BBC Radio WM's football phone-in.
"To take that opportunity away from potentially happening to other clubs is scandalous really.
"I just think the PSR issue really needs sorting out. It's so frustrating for clubs like Villa that have got the money but can't they spend it. Then they are having to sell other players too - it's making a mess.
"I think there's a few things at the minute which needs looking at in football and that is one of them."
Listen to the full West Midlands football phone-in on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesThe dust has just about settled on Aston Villa's transfer window and busy deadline day.
In total, Villa brought in seven players for a total of about £32.4m based on reported initial fees.
Those incomings were:
Evann Guessand - Nice
Yasin Ozcan - Kasimpasa
Marco Bizot - Brest
Victor Lindelof - Manchester United
Zepiqueno Redmond - Feyenoord
Harvey Elliott - Liverpool (loan)
Jadon Sancho - Manchester United (loan)
*All permanent unless stated
Heading the other way, Villa had a large number of notable outgoings, including the sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle, free transfers for Philippe Coutinho and Alex Moreno and a season-long loan for Leon Bailey.
Of all the summer incomings at Villa Park, who do you think will have the biggest impact?
Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesThe international break gives the opportunity for a reset with the arrival of the new signings hopefully having a freshening effect.
Whether Aston Villa's poor start can be blamed on some sense of injustice about the financial limits, lingering disappointment from missing out on the Champions League, or just a collective form dip, a change of scenery will hopefully help.
There is one unresolved issue from deadline weekend though, which may require careful handling by Emery and his staff. Emi Martinez staying ought to be good news, but from his tears on the pitch at the end of last season to his non-appearance on Sunday against Crystal Palace, there has been enough drama to potentially make things a little awkward.
BBC Radio WM's Villa pundit Garry Thompson thinks it could be, internally at least.
"If he gets back in the team and plays well, and seems a bit contrite – he's never going to apologise! – and just wants to get on with it, I think they'll forgive him, and we'll just crack on," Thompson said.
"But don't make it easy for him. I may be jumping the gun, but it looked like he was ready to jump ship. If you're ready to jump ship, you can't just wander back into the dressing room and say: 'I'm back lads - it's all right."'
We'll see. A week away on international duty might do all some good.
After all, Monday was Aston Villa's best day for quite a while, perhaps since May.
With the need to do some business – even if for no better reason than to apply jump-leads to their season – they completed three deals that all made sense.
Victor Lindelof adds experienced defensive cover at relatively small cost.
Jadon Sancho ought to be motivated to prove a few doubters wrong – perhaps he can draw inspiration from the way Marcus Rashford's career was revitalised by six months with Unai Emery. Even paying most of his wages for a year is a low-stakes bet.
And in Harvey Elliott, Villa have signed a talented player just at the point he seems ripe to make a major breakthrough.
But concerns remain. Villa played 55 first-team games last season and will surely have ambitions of a long Europa League run. That might mean this season's total is even higher.
Their squad remains full of quality but short of depth, and in an ideal world, they would surely have addressed that.
Tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights
Image source, SNSFletcher Boyd is leaving Aberdeen
Fletcher Boyd is set to join Aston Villa from Aberdeen "for a significant undisclosed fee", the Dons have announced.
The deal is subject to the outcome of a Fifa minor's application.
Scotland Under-16 international Boyd, 17, made 13 appearances for Aberdeen's first team and scored twice.
"Fletcher is not one we had planned or wanted to sell at this time, but we've had to take this approach based on the circumstances we found ourselves in," said Pittodrie director of football Steven Gunn.
"It was made very clear to us that Fletcher wished to explore this opportunity and that signing any contract extension beyond the less than two years remaining on his current agreement was going to be very unlikely.
"Therefore, we felt that now was the optimal time to trade him to not only maximise our value in the short term, but also to ensure there is significant potential upside for AFC in the future should Fletcher develop the way we all hope he does."
Image source, Getty ImagesEmi Martinez's failed move to Manchester United may not have long-term repercussions, believes former Aston Villa midfielder Marc Albrighton.
The Argentina goalkeeper was not in the squad for Sunday's defeat by Crystal Palace amid interest from Old Trafford but remained at the club beyond the closure of the transfer window.
Nevertheless, Albrighton thinks Martinez can still be rehabilitated into Unai Emery's first XI.
"I do think he starts the next game," Albrighton said. "I have seen mixed reports of the story about him wanting to leave.
"I have seen that he was open too it but if it comes off it does and if it doesn't, it doesn't. Without knowing the ins and outs of it, it's very difficult to say but I think he's professional enough and has had such a good time at Villa as well.
"He knows he's loved by the fans. I think this can easily be turned into two months down the line being forgotten."
Listen to the full West Midlands football phone-in on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesAlbrighton also said the signing of Harvey Elliott on deadline day is one that will energise Aston Villa fans.
"He's the one that I'm most excited about," Albrighton said. "Watching him over the past two years since he had that bad injury away at Leeds - I think he's really matured and come on in his personality.
"He's grown up quite a lot. He was very young mentally before but now with him training week-in, week-out with top players at Liverpool and being surrounded by some of the best coaches and players in the world has meant he's really matured.
"I think he'll bring that to Villa and now he's got an opportunity to play games. He also has a fantastic manager in Unai Emery so he could really thrive."
Listen to the full West Midlands football phone-in on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesAston Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers recognises it has been "a tough start" to the Premier League season for Unai Emery's side but says the whole squad will be "looking to find their feet" after the international break.
The goalless draw with Newcastle on opening day is Villa's only point so far, having lost to Brentford and Crystal Palace.
It means they are 19th in the early Premier League table for this first international break of the season and Rogers accepts his own form has not been good enough.
"I think I would say the same as everyone else, it hasn't been what we wanted and not how I would've liked but that's the joy of football - you have your good days and bad days," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"I'm just looking to improve and get better and find my feet, just like the rest of the team is I think.
"After a tough start, it happens. I'm just looking forward to getting back after this international break. The aim will be trying to improve it [Aston Villa's form] and get better."
