Is it about time we started to take Aston Villa seriously?

Can Aston Villa mount a genuine challenge for the title or at least gain a Champions League place? Considering we are over halfway through the season, Aston Villa still haven't had their much predicted ‘blip' and sit comfortably in 4th spot looking, not over their shoulder but in front at the main title battle unfolding before their eyes. Maybe they will take advantage of the fact no one has mentioned them as serious title contenders and put in a legitimate championship challenge.

Being positioned 5 points clear of Arsenal only 1 point behind giants Liverpool and Chelsea, whilst being a measly three points adrift of World, European and English champions, Manchester United. This is a very unexpected position and one that most people don't expect them to remain in, unexpected but deserved. Recalling the Villa Arsenal game, Arsenal were outplayed, outclassed and outfought by Martin O'Neill's side, thus the position Villa are in is certainly not an accident.

With a team composed mostly of good young English players, complemented by experienced foreign imports. The likes of Gabby Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and Curtis Davies look set for a bright future. Brad Friedel is without doubt one of the league's most accomplished goalkeepers, and in front of him are two of four excellent centre-backs, Martin Laursen, Curtis Davies, Zat Knight and Carlos Cuellar, who was instrumental in Glasgow Rangers' run in the UEFA cup which culminated in the final defeat to Zenit St Petersburg. The only worry for Martin O'Neill would be the full back positions, as Nicky Shorey and Luke Young have, so far, failed to nail down starting positions.

In attack Villa have a quite a selection, Ashley Young, John Carew and the newly acquired Emile Heskey, who had is best playing days under O'Neill at Leicester. Not to mention the England international Gabriel Agbonlahor, who has dazzled defences with his searing pace and eye for goal. This attacking force is very well complemented by a very industrious and solid midfield, lead by former want-away performer Gareth Barry. Praise must go to Barry, as he wanted to join Liverpool in the summer but after being refused his wish, he knuckled down and has put in a string of sturdy displays.

Villa have amassed 22 points from their last eight league matches, an identical haul to Manchester United's. O'Neill, of course, has enjoyed sizable resources made available by his club's owner, but will be cautious and noncelant when talking about the chances his side have in the race for the title. Maybe a more realistic goal would be Champions League qualification, an aim by no means out of reach and resulting in one of the ‘big four' missing out, a good thing for the competitiveness of the game as a whole.

Will they win the title? Probably not, but Aston Villa are a club moving forward, with a good crop of home-grown talent and an excellent manager. It will only be a matter of time until we see a new kid on the ‘big fours' block.

Should Arsenal forgive and forget and bring the Frenchman back?

Would Mathieu Flamini be welcomed back to the Emirates? I ask this question because after 6 months in Milan, the former Arsenal player hasn't managed to stamp his authority all over the first team and has been linked with a loan move to Napoli, but I put forward Arsenal.

The Gunners' biggest flaw this season has been the lack of a combative midfielder and Flamini could be just the man to fill the void he left.
He left Arsenal in acrimonious circumstance, with Arsene Wenger reluctant to let him leave but not willing to meet his £60,000 a-week wage demands. AC Milan were waiting with open arms and an open chequebook. A rare signing, being he is under 35 years of age.

Whilst starting the first game of the season (a defeat to Bologna) Flamini has found it difficult to settle in a side boasting the talents of Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf and Rino Gattuso. Many, including myself, expected Flamini to be one of the first names on the team sheet, but it has not materialized only starting 9 games, he has found himself warming the San Siro bench most of the time. Given that Gattuso is sidelined for the entire season, you would think Flamini is a ready-made replacement. Even this has not lead to more opportunities.

Making life in Milan even more difficult for the Frenchman is the arrival of David Beckham, who has started every match since he signed and has looked extremely impressive, turning back the clock with commanding performances against Bologna and Genoa. Though, Flamini can take comfort knowing he replaced Beckham on his debut ... after 89 minutes.

Unable to force his way into the team, what will he decide? In my humble opinion he will stay and fight for his place, that is the character of the man. Even so, I don't think he will win a starting berth anytime soon. Carlo Ancelotti seems to have settled on his midfield trio and it does not include Monsieur Flamini. It would seem a loan move could do him the world of good. I would prefer if he remained in the peninsula and acclimatise to the wonderful world of Calcio.

I see him as the future, part of the re-building that will no doubt continue in the summer. Combining with Pato and Thiago Silva to form the spine of the next great AC Milan side. For all that, I feel a move would do him good and who knows maybe Arsene will welcome him back to little France before you can say ‘Sacrebleu.'