Aston Villa begin their preparations for the 2024/25 season which will include Champions League football when they take on Walsall on Wednesday night.
The Villans finished fourth in the Premier League under Unai Emery last season and have been one of the most active in the summer transfer window so far, losing key midfielder Douglas Luiz but bringing in Ian Maatsen, Ross Barkley, Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior. among others.
Their next opponents remain in League Two and finished 11th last season.
Here it is 90 min preview of Villa’s clash with Walsall.
Walsall vs Aston Villa H2H Record (All Time)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Walsall |
Aston Villa |
|---|---|
|
Alvechurch 0-3 Walsall – 13/07/24 |
Crystal Palace 5-0 Aston Villa – 19/05/24 |
|
Wimbledon 5-1 Walsall – 27/04/24 |
Aston Villa 3-3 Liverpool – 13/05/24 |
|
Walsall 2-3 Bradford City – 20/04/24 |
Olympiacos 2-0 Aston Villa – 09/05/24 |
|
Walsall 2-1 Swindon Town – 16/04/24 |
Brighton 1-0 Aston Villa – 05/05/24 |
|
Walsall 1-3 Notts County – 13/04/24 |
Aston Villa 2-4 Olympiacos – 02/05/24 |
Walsall have signed David Okague from Stoke City on a two-year deal, while goalkeeper Tommy Simkin has also arrived from the Potters on loan. Both can hope to play on Wednesday along with Connor Barrett, Josh Gordon and Charlie Lakin.
Walsall predicted schedule vs Aston Villa (5-3-2): Simkin; Barrett, Williams, Okagbue, Farquharson, L. Gordon; Stirk, Lakin, Earing; J. Gordon, Matt.
The Villans moved early in the summer transfer window, selling midfielder Luiz to Juventus while bolstering their squad with smart signings.
Maatsen ended up in the Netherlands squad and, despite not getting a single minute of game time at Euro 2024, will not feature on Wednesday. Copa America winner Emiliano Martinez will also be given a few weeks’ rest with Jhon Duran, Ollie Watkins, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa and John McGinn also absent after their international tour.
Aston Villa predicted schedule vs Walsall (4-4-2): Olsen; Kesler-Hayden, Torres, Hause, Digne; Rogers, Barkley, Barrenechea, Ramsey; Archer, Dobbin.
Villa manager Emery has a new face in his squad and Wednesday night will be the first time fans get a glimpse of the new arrivals ahead of an exciting new season.
The sale of Luiz is undoubtedly a huge blow and the pre-season stages will show fans how the team plans to move forward without the Brazilian midfielder.
However, they shouldn’t have too many problems getting past a Walsall side who finished the 2023/24 campaign in League Two in mid-table languor.
Prediction: Walsall 0-3 Aston Villa
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