Last season Aston Villa suffered a relegation which saw the Midlands giants drop out of the top flight for the first time since the Premier League had started.
But is hasn't been plain sailing since they've dropped either.
Despite still having quite a few of the first team core from last season, appointing highly-rated manager Roberto di Matteo and spending plenty of cash during the summer window, Aston Villa have only weighed in with one win in their opening nine league matches.
That came in the second game against Rotherham so they are now seven games without a win.
Frustrations are understandably prevalent among Aston Villa fans as the club sits in 17th place with just nine points so far.
Tuesday night sees di Matteo's side travel to Oakwell to take on high-flying Barnsley.
Despite being pegged back last week, Barnsley have been off to a flyer since winning promotion via the play-offs last season.
This will be a tough game for Aston Villa but you have to remember that just a few months ago this would have been a Premier League vs. League One clash.
Aston Villa have the talent to pick up all three points and if they play this XI, they should win the match...
GK: Pierluigi Gollini
For such a young goalkeeper in a new country and a new league, Pierluigi Gollini has had a reasonable enough start to his Aston Villa career.
The 21-year-old showed his goalkeeping talent with a top display against Newcastle and Aston Villa fans will be hoping for more of the same from their Italian stopper.
He has made a few mistakes this season but he's a better bet than Mark Bunn and is constantly learning.
RB: Micah Richards
It's about time Leandro Bacuna was dropped.
Ritchie de Laet has a long term injury. Alan Hutton is no good. It might be time to controversially recall Micah Richards even though he's not exactly a fan favourite.
The truth of the matter is that the 28-year-old was once playing regularly for Manchester City and England.
There is clearly some talent there, he just needs to apply himself and harness it.
A spell on the bench might have done him some good and he could return a more determined defender.
CB: James Chester
James Chester is a better centre back than he is a right back so he needs to return to the middle ideally.
The Wales international was top class at this summer's European Championships so he needs to replicate that form at domestic level for Aston Villa.
The 27-year-old has vast experience of England's top two tiers of league football and is potentially Villa's best defender on his day.
CB: Nathan Baker
Nathan Baker might have been axed at half time against Newcastle but he was arguably their best defender up until that point.
The 25-year-old is a no-nonsense centre half and he has to be selected ahead of the defensively frail Tommy Elphick, who even scored an own goal at the weekend.
Leadership and passion do not warrant a starting spot for Elphick so left-footed Baker should be given the nod.
LB: Jordan Amavi
Jordan Amavi was moved to left back for the second half against Newcastle and looked so much better in his natural position.
The 22-year-old might arguably have been Aston Villa's best player last season, despite only playing until November before suffering a season-ending injury.
The Frenchman needs game time to get back to his best and he's a better option than Aly Cissokho.
RM: Albert Adomah
Albert Adomah has made his first start for Aston Villa and they will be hoping that he will up his game in midweek as he is one of the only natural wingers at the club.
The 28-year-old former Middlesbrough man joined in the summer and has plenty of experience at terrorising Championship full backs.
The Ghana international can stir up some excitement with his displays on the flank as well as providing top quality service to the front men.
CM: Mile Jedinak
Mile Jedinak has had a slow start to his Aston Villa career but Crystal Palace were reluctant to let their captain leave in the summer, and there's a reason for that.
The 32-year-old defensive midfielder is so effective at breaking down attacks with interceptions and tackles in front of his back four.
The Australian international will come good soon and show that he is a very capable player at Championship level.
CM: Aaron Tshibola
There may still be fitness concerns over whether Aaron Tshibola is ready to start a game, but after 45 minutes against Newcastle, he must be nearly ready.
The 21-year-old already has the physicality, strength and speed to boss a game from central midfield.
The former Reading man adds so much more to that role than Ashley Westwood or Gary Gardner.
LM: Jordan Ayew
Jordan Ayew is yet to put the ball in the net this season but he's getting closer each game.
A top display against Newcastle just lacked the final product but there is no doubting the Ghana international's talent.
The 25-year-old will probably start on the wing despite the return of Jack Grealish because di Matteo is not likely to hand the England youth international a start, after controversial off-the-field antics saw him miss this weekend's game against Newcastle.
ST: Jonathan Kodjia
Jonathan Kodjia has a lot to do to justify his sizeable price tag but the former Bristol City goalscorer is already showing signs of his talent.
The physical Ivory Coast international netted 20 goals for Bristol City last season, and you might expect him to get better service this year.
The 26-year-old has goals in him so he just needs more game time and they will come.
ST: Rudy Gestede
Aston Villa's top goalscorer this season is Rudy Gestede despite his lack of starts in comparison to the other strikers.
If the wide men can whip a quality ball into the box then there are not many defenders in the league who can compete with the Benin international in the air.
The 27-year-old is a powerful 6'4'' striker with a huge leap and a bullet header.
Barnsley will have their work cut out to keep their tabs on him this Tuesday.