Three things Aston Villa fans need to watch out for during preseason opener at Walsall
Aston Villa will make the short trip to Walsall for their annual pre-season friendly against The Saddlers this afternoon (9 July).
It marks the start of Steven Gerrard’s first pre-season as Villa boss, and he is set to experiment at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
Villa’s youth team began their preseason on Friday evening (8 July) by battering non-league Chasetown, but now the senior team takes centre stage.
The likes of Boubacar Kamara, Lucas Digne and John McGinn will not be present as they are on extended breaks, but some of Villa’s biggest names will be involved.
Villa News breaks down the three things fans should look out for during the action at Walsall.
Diego Carlos’ debut
While Kamara will not be present at the game, Villa’s other blockbuster summer signing will.
Diego Carlos arrives at Villa Park after a successful stint at Sevilla and started training with his new teammates earlier this week.
Villa’s official Twitter account seemed to confirm on Friday evening (8 July) that Carlos will be involved, describing the game as “a first chance to see Diego Carlos in action.”
Tyrone Mings is also back and should be involved, giving fans a chance to see how the pair link up and work as a partnership.
Young stars in action
While Villa’s youth team played at Chasetown on Friday, not all of their brightest talents played at The Scholars Ground.
Fans can expect Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Josh Feeney, Tommi O’Reilly and others to play some part in proceedings.
Among those Young Lions will be Finn Azaz, with the midfielder set for his first action in a Villa shirt after his loan spell at Newport County.
Striker dilemma
Three of Villa’s senior strikers are in training and will play some part in the match.
Keinan Davis has been given an extended break after his play-off exploits with Nottingham Forest, but Cameron Archer will return to the club where he started his youth career before joining Villa.
Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins will also be involved, though their positions will remain unknown until kick-off.
Gerrard’s team selection could be indicative of how Villa intend to play next season, with the striker dilemma being a central concern.
In other Aston Villa news, Louie Barry shone in his first appearance since returning to Villa from his loan at Swindon Town.