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The manner in which Villa came unstuck in the last minute of injury time at the Britannia Stadium this week reflected perfectly the mixed start to the season they have endured. Having been knocked out of the Europa League with a disappointing performance in front of their own fans at Villa Park, they bounced back to pull off a win against Everton despite a poor performance, and the Villa squad now know they need to impress new manager Gerard Houllier.

With Houllier set to take charge after the Villians' game against Bolton this weekend, players and fans alike know that the club are about to undergo what could be their most important change of manager since the arrival of Martin O'Neill.

More than a few players will be aware of the need to be on top form if they wish to impress the new man in charge, with Luke Young and Nigel Reo Coker notable examples, and others will realise they only really have until January to stake their claim as a permanent part of a new-look Villa squad. Many people made Aston Villa betting tips Aston Villa beting tips to claim fourth this season, but they have a lot to prove if they are going to live up to that.

However, although the Villa players know that they are under intense scrutiny during this period of transition, Houllier himself will also surely be anxious in the knowledge that he is replacing a man who brought the club their most important triumphs since the early 90s. Should the new boss fail to help Villa make that final step up to allow them to compete with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City for that all important fourth spot, Houllier will know that his reign as Villa manager will be considerably shorter than the time he spent at Liverpool. The Betfair Football The Betfair Football odds certainly suggest he is in for a tough time.

Despite this, Villa fans will know that his experience at the top level of management could help to propel the club to a height that they have not seen for quite some time, as long as owner Randy Lerner backs him financially.