Young Lions Watch: The Aston Villa starlets to watch out for against Brisbane Roar
Aston Villa continue their pre-season schedule by taking on Australian outfit Brisbane Roar on Wednesday morning (20 July).
Several of their brightest young stars are set to take part after Josh Feeney and Aaron Ramsey featured in their previous friendly against Leeds United.
Feeney looked the more impressive of the pair, keeping the likes of Luis Sinisterra and Rodrigo at bay until full-time, while Ramsey struggled against Premier League opposition.
Steven Gerrard is set to shuffle the pack for the Brisbane friendly, allowing some of the other young stars to get a valuable run-out.
There are some who will not feature, with Jaden Philogene-Bidace injured and Carney Chukwuemeka being left at home.
Who will take part?
After both Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings took part in the Leeds friendly, Cameron Archer is certain to be involved against Brisbane.
Despite starting and scoring in Villa’s pre-season opener against Walsall, the England Under-21 international sat out of the Leeds victory alongside eight other players.
While Chukwuemeka is in England, his midfield partner for the Under-19s Euros is with the senior squad and is sure to play some part on Wednesday.
Tim Iroegbunam broke into the Villa first team after Gerrard’s arrival and looked right at home in the Premier League, making him certain to be involved against Brisbane.
Kaine Kesler-Hayden and Ben Chrisene are both set to return to the full-back positions after impressing against Walsall earlier this month and sitting out against Leeds.
Feeney could also play more of a part despite featuring against Leeds, with Villa being short on centre-backs after Kortney Hause’s injury.
Finally, Filip Marschall might be given a chance in goal, but Emi Martinez is more likely to return after Robin Olsen played the duration of the previous match.
With Villa having two difficult friendlies after Brisbane against Manchester United and Rennes, Wednesday’s match represents a great chance for the young stars to get some minutes.
In other Aston Villa news, new arrival Boubacar Kamara has sent a thank you message to fans after impressing against Leeds.