#2 Conor Hourihane
A severely underrated talent in an Aston Villa side comprised of the likes of Kodjia and Jedinak, Irishman Conor Hourihane was selected in the Championship Team of the Year last term for his efforts at both Barnsley and Villa. It was well-deserved recognition for an individual who impressed with the most assists in the division (14) across tenures with two different sides.
Villa required a creative outlet in midfield and when they signed Hourihane in January 2017 they not only got what they needed but also got a midfielder capable of playing in a deeper defensive role, rendering the 26-year-old a double threat for the Villains.
With most betting companies, Villa are the favourites to gain Premier League promotion this term and with Hourihane now settled into life in the Midlands, a lot will be expected of the Irishman in Bruce and co's pursuit of the title.
