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MATCH PREVIEW & MORE INFO
Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Simkin; C. Barrett, Williams, Okagbue, Farquharson, L. Gordon; Stirk, Lakin, Earing; J. Gordon, Matt
Match Preview
Walsall possible starting lineup: Olsen; Kesler-Hayden, Torres, Hause, Digne; Rogers, Barkley, Barrenechea, Ramsey; Archer, Dobbin
Match Preview
Aston Villa will kick off their preparations for their return to the Champions League with a pre-season friendly against Walsall at Bescot Stadium on Wednesday. Under Unai Emery, Villa surprised many by securing fourth place in the Premier League last season, earning them a spot in Europe's premier competition for the first time in over four decades.
Their journey to the top four included a remarkable run of home wins, but their season ended disappointingly with losses in the Europa Conference League and a heavy defeat to Crystal Palace. Now, Villa are gearing up for their European campaign with a series of pre-season matches, including fixtures against Spartak Trnava, Columbus Crew, Club America, RB Leipzig, Athletic Bilbao, and Borussia Dortmund.
Meanwhile, Walsall, who finished 11th in League Two last season, have already started their pre-season with a 3-0 win over Alvechurch. They will host Villa in what promises to be an exciting clash, marking their first meeting in a competitive setting since their Third Division days in 1972.
Both teams have ambitious pre-season schedules ahead, with Villa aiming to integrate new signings and prepare for the challenges of the Champions League, while Walsall looks to build momentum and improve on their league performance from last season.