Aston Villa have been handed possibly the toughest start on the opening day of the season, with a trip to Sheffield Wednesday on the cards for Roberto Di Matteo and his charges.

It will be a baptism of fire for the new boss, with a raucous crowd expected inside Hillsborough following last seasons run to the play off final.

Wednesday will be keen to get off to a good start, so Di Matteo will need to make sure he has done his homework and got his team as ready as they can be for the season curtain raiser.

Villa are expected to dip into the transfer market, and have already made moves, securing a deal for Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick this week.

We can expect to see more new players on display on the opening day for Villa, so with this in mind, FLW writer Lee Connor takes a look at THREE new signings who could star on the opening day for Villa....

Ross McCormack

The Fulham striker is expected to move on this summer following another successful season in front of goal for the Cottagers.

He will though command a big fee, but if one club in the division is going to pay it, then it is Aston Villa.

They will be looking for a star striker as they look to get themselves back in the Premier League at the first attempt, and McCormack fits the bill perfectly.

It would be an ideal signing for Di Matteo and his team, one that would bring a guarantee of goals at Villa Park.

Robbie Brady

The Irish winger has impressed for Norwich during his time with the club and is currently on duty with Ireland over in France for the Euros.

There has been murmurings of Brady maybe being on Di Matteo's radar as he looks to add to his squad, and he would certainly be a good signing.

His dead ball delivery is second to none and with players like Rudy Gestede up front, this could be a vital signing for Villa.

Brady will not come cheap though, and it will be regarded as a bit of coup should the Villains pull it off.

Aaron Tshibola

The Reading midfielder is looking a real class act in the making, and has been the talk of much speculation surrounding numerous clubs over the past few weeks.

Tshibola looks like he has the ability to dominate a midfield, which is something Villa will be crying out for as they embark on their first season in the Championship.

The 21-year-old is yet another fine player off the Reading production line, and despite their refusal so far to accept any bids or interest for the midfielder, money often talks in football.

Villa will need to act quick though, with Tshibola high on the wanted list of many clubs if the press is to be believed.