Buendia dropped, star man returns – Aston Villa predicted XI v Nashville SC
Aston Villa will take on Nashville SC on Saturday as they step up their preparations for the new Premier League season.
The Villans finally won their first game of pre-season on Wednesday (30 July), narrowly besting MLS side St. Louis City SC 2-1 courtesy of goals from Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins.
Unai Emery’s side had gone winless in their prior three pre-season games, but the Spaniard will hope Wednesday’s victory has seen the confidence return.
The head coach is expected to make a few changes to his team when Villa take on Nashville at Geodic Park on Saturday (2 August).
Aston Villa to make three changes for Nashville clash
Emi Martinez, despite questions surrounding his future, is expected to continue in goal for Villa.
Matty Cash is likely to come into the back line, with Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Ian Maatsen set to start alongside the full-back.
Boubacar Kamara could play from the off after coming on at half-time against St. Louis, with Youri Tielemans also likely to get the nod alongside Rogers and John McGinn.
Leon Bailey is expected to continue in attack, while Watkins is likely to take the place of Donyell Malen up front.
Jacob Ramsey did not play against St. Louis amid reported interest from West Ham, and the midfielder could continue to be left out.
And Emi Buendia played the full 90, so fans can also expect to be left out against Nashville.
Villa fans to see full-strength team in action
There remains some arguable positions in Emery’s first-choice XI, but Villa’s starting lineup against Nashville should be as close to full strength as fans have seen so far in pre-season.
The team remains exactly the same as it was last season, with decision-makers at Villa Park yet to reinforce the Spaniard’s options with any players expected to challenge for a starting role.
Still, fans will be glad to see their team at full fitness, with the season opener just over two weeks away.
The game against Nashville will mark the end of Villa’s pre-season tour of the United States, with friendlies against AS Roma, Marseille, and Villarreal set to follow before the Premier League’s return.
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