Brian Madjo playing for Aston Villa alongside a circle inset of a Porto badge

Brian MadjoImago

Aston Villa predicted XI vs Porto: First start in pipeline as Brian Madjo gets nod again

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at GRV Media and VAVEL; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Exclusive content, statistical analysis, and deep-dive reporting across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Max utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, exclusive reporting and data-driven insight. He provides the intelligence behind the stories to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

23 Jul 2026, 1:06 pm

Aston Villa are preparing to continue their pre-season preparations with a trip to face Porto.

The Villans kick-started their summer with a 5-0 win in their yearly clash with Walsall on Tuesday.

Once again opening pre-season at the Bescott, Brian Madjo got the scoring underway after just 24 minutes.

He went on to double his tally as George Hemmings, Luka Lynch and Aidan Borland also made their presence felt.

That all capped off a perfect way to begin a busy warm-up period, with a trip to Portugal coming next.

Villa will face Porto on Saturday as we assess how Unai Emery could line up at Estadio do Dragao.

Unai Emery could hand out maiden start vs Porto

It is a difficult time to truly know who is available after the end of the campaign.

Joe Gauci started against Walsall and he could get the nod again if Marco Bizot isn't available.

There could be changes ahead of him as Tyrone Mings and Matty Cash could come back in from the start after their combined 71 appearances last season.

Modou Cisse could keep his place, as could Ian Maatsen as he looks to prove himself after being dribbled past 24 times in the Premier League last time around.

It could be time for Joao Gomes to get his first Villa start away to Porto after making his debut and playing 45 minutes against Walsall.

He could join Lamare Bogarde, who also has a point to prove after his previous year consisting of 1047 Premier League minutes and a duel win rate of just 52 per cent.

Aston Villa have every reason to demand Brian Madjo resolution after Walsall display

Brian Madjo in line for third Aston Villa appearance

Ross Barkley could be another who could keep his place after starting at the Bescot Stadium.

He could be joined by fresh faces in the shape of Alysson and Ben Broggio.

The Brazilian could get his first Villa start, while the ex-Falkirk loanee could show his quality after seven goal involvements in 12 Scottish Premiership starts.

Aston Villa predicted XI vs Porto - Gauci, Cash, Cisse, Mings, Maatsen, Gomes, Bogarde, Barkley, Alysson, Broggio, MadjoBreaking Media

Madjo could be given another chance to lead the line, if Tammy Abraham isn't ready, after his first-half brace last time out.

He looked like a beast against the Saddlers and could replicate that if he's given his third Villa start against Porto.

Aston Villa predicted XI vs Porto: Gauci; Cash, Cisse, Mings, Maatsen; Gomes, Bogarde; Barkley, Alysson, Broggio; Madjo.

Matty Cash