Walsall vs Aston Villa preview: Team news, lineups, prediction
Aston Villa are set to take on Walsall in their first game of pre-season.
It’s a big summer of preparation ahead for Unai Emery as he looks to get his side ready for a third consecutive European campaign.
The game at Walsall on Wednesday (16 July) is set to be the first of an eight-game slate ahead of Villa’s Premier League opener against Newcastle United at Villa Park.
Many players have returned from loan, who will be looking to find their way into Emery’s plans, while Villa fans will be excited to see their new signing Zepiqueno Redmond in action.
Aston Villa team news
Most senior players are expected back at training today, but Villa are expected to be left short in the goalkeeper department.
Emi Martinez is unlikely to feature, with questions still remaining over his future at Villa Park beyond next month.
Robin Olsen departed the Midlands club following the expiration of his contract, while proposed signing Marco Bizot is not expected to arrive in time for the trip to the Saddlers.
That leaves Joe Gauci to start in goal, who could yet play back-up to Bizot this season after returning from his loan spell at Barnsley.
Lamare Bogarde, Andres Garcia, Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are all expected to have some involvement at the Bescot Stadium after all returned to first-team training last week.
Kosta Nedeljkovic and Alex Moreno are unlikely to be involved as they are expected to leave on permanent deals this summer.
Redmond, Villa’s only signing so far this summer, could be given his debut, while Jacob Ramsey, Ross Barkley and Boubacar Kamara are expected to be involved.
Aston Villa predicted lineup v Walsall
The Villans will likely start a mixture of senior stars and young talent, with the defence featuring youngster Travis Patterson alongside Bogarde, Mings and Garcia.
In midfield, Jamal Jimoh-Aloba could start alongside the experience of Barkley and Kamara, with the former Everton man looking to impress for regular minutes in the side next season.
Up front, Ramsey will likely bring the experience in a youthful frontline, with Kadan Young and Redmond set to start.
Prediction: Walsall 0-3 Aston Villa
Pre-season is known for putting up surprising scorelines, as most sides look to get back up to speed ahead of the opening game of the season.
With many senior players not expected to return to the side until their trip to Hansa Rostock, Villa are likely to play a host of young players against Walsall.
However, Unai Emery should have enough star talent available to get the job done convincingly.
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