Aston Villa are in pre-season action for the first time ahead of the 2023/24 campaign on Saturday as they take on League Two side Walsall at Poundland Bescot Stadium.
Unai Emery’s men returned for testing at Bodymoor Heath last weekend and have been put through their paces ever since in preparation for their first friendly encounter.
Fans will be in attendance for the fixture which is the last in England until the Villans return to Poundland Bescot Stadium on August 3, to take on Serie A giants Lazio.
It’s difficult to work out who exactly will get the nod from Emery for this weekend’s clash but it’s likely a number of young players will feature rather than regular starters.
With that in mind, we’ve had our best go at predicting the starting lineup for the trip to Walsall, with some exciting additions brought in for game time. See below.
1. GK - Viljami Sinisalo
Likely to get the nod ahead of Emi Martinez as this is Villa’s easiest game of pre-season on paper.
2. RB - Ezri Konsa
Due to the signing of Pau Torres and the long-awaited return of Diego Carlos, Konsa may need to try a new role to fit into the XI in future. He’s played at right-back before.
3. CB - Diego Carlos
Will be raring to go for a new season after missing the majority of last. We reckon there will be plenty of game time for the Brazilian this pre-season.
4. CB - Tyrone Mings
Starts ahead of Pau Torres who is yet to properly get underway. Emery will most likely be waiting to unleash his new £33 million signing another day.