Aston Villa face RB Leipzig in our latest pre-season outing, and here’s how Unai Emery’s starting line-up looks for the encounter.
After consecutive 3-0 wins to begin our summer preparations, Vila fell to a 4-1 defeat to Columbus Crew last time out as our USA pre-season tour got off to a disappointing start.
READ MORE: Crucial boost hoped for as key Villa figure eyes return after injury layoff
While results aren’t as significant at this time of the year, it was a good test for the players as they continue to build their match fitness and sharpness, but both Unai Emery and John McGinn expressed disappointment with the outcome regardless.
In turn, it’s hoped that we see an improved performance and result in midweek, and although our intense training sessions and travel in between games is likely to have a negative impact on our ability to put in a positive display, it will undoubtedly be productive to see our new signings continue to get minutes and integrate.
Further, it’s an opportunity for some of our squad players and those coming back from injury to get playing time and try and reach peak condition for our Premier League season opener at West Ham Utd on August 17, and so we can expect heavy rotation again for the second half to ensure everyone gets on the pitch.
As seen in the club’s tweet below, there aren’t too many surprises in the Villa starting XI for this game, but we’ll get a good look at summer signing Amadou Onana to see how he’s adapting to his role under Emery and integrating into the side.
It’s also good to see John McGinn return to the line-up after his extended break following EURO 2024, but the biggest boost is Jacob Ramsey being named among the substitutes as he looks to make his first appearance in pre-season this summer.
Injuries disrupted his campaign last season, and having missed our opening three games, it’s hoped that he can get some minutes in the second half and start to rebuild his match fitness and sharpness ahead of the new year.
It will be interesting to see whether or not Emery now starts to give his likely starters more minutes or if he continues to make a whole host of changes at the break, but it will be another fascinating watch as Villa look to produce a confidence-boosting performance.
Your Aston Villa squad to face RB Leipzig. 👊#VillaInTheUSA pic.twitter.com/PtTgnAKaI1
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 31, 2024