Aston Villa travel to Slovakia to take on Spartak Trnava for their second pre-season friendly of the summer.
Unai Emery is assembling a squad capable of challenging in the Champions League in 2024/25 as Aston Villa return to Europe’s elite competition.
Six new signings have arrived, the latest being Jaden Philogene on Friday, as Emery aims to improve on their fourth-place finish, or at least challenge for European football.
The Villans kickstarted their pre-season preparations with a resounding 3-0 victory over local side Walsall on Wednesday, as a Morgan Rogers double and Louie Barry strike ensured a positive start.
Villa’s second pre-season match kicks off this afternoon with a trip to Slovakia to take on Spartak Trnava before jetting off on their tour of the USA, beginning next week.
At this stage, Emery will be just keen to get sharpness back into the player’s legs and watch some of his new signings in action, so with that said, here’s how Aston Villa could line up for the match.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Spartak Trnava
Robin Olsen
With first-choice Emi Martinez granted an extended break after winning Copa America, the Argentine’s replacement will be Robin Olsen.
The 34-year-old started in the win over Walsall, and will likely keep his place between the sticks against the Slovakian outfit.
Kosta Nedeljkovic
Nedeljkovic was introduced in the second half against the Saddlers and the performance of the Serbian will have left Matty Cash fearing the worst.
The talented teenager was a ‘livewire’ on the flank and he ‘stole the show’ with his display. As a result, he should be granted a start against Spartak.
Diego Carlos
Youngster Josh Feeney started for Villa against Walsall however, he was replaced in the second half by Diego Carlos, who should now start this fixture.
The Brazilian had his critics last term but he’s still one of Emery’s most important defenders and will want extra minutes in his legs.
Pau Torres
Partnering Carlos is unsurprisingly Villa’s most consistent defender, Pau Torres, who was substituted for youngster Sil Swinkles last time out.
Torres was outstanding in his debut campaign in the Premier League, and he’ll be using matches such as this one to further stamp his authority.
Lucas Digne
Villa added to their left-back department with the signing of Ian Maatsen but he’s currently on an extended break following the Euro’s.
The Dutchman has provided strong competition for Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno, who will have to up their game in pre-season to stand any chance of starting.
Moreno was the player preferred by Emery to start against Walsall but Digne could get a run out here.
Enzo Barrenchea
Villa supporters saw Enzo Barrenchea in action for the first time on Wednesday, after he was introduced for Lamare Bogarde at half-time.
Part of the deal that saw Douglas Luiz move to Juventus, the 23-year-old should be granted a start against Spartak Trnava and a further opportunity to impress.
Kadan Young
There are always multiple youngsters who emerge in pre-season, and midfielder Kadan Young is one of them.
The 18-year-old was brought on at half-time for fellow young player Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba last time out and the gem – dubbed ‘scary’ – should be granted a start to showcase his worth in this match.
Ross Barkley
Completing the midfield trio is Ross Barkley, who returned to Aston Villa following a season at Luton Town. The Englishman is blessed with such incredible talent technically and he oozed class against Walsall.
That should see him keep his spot as Emery aims to establish some partnerships in the middle of the park after watching Luiz depart.
Leon Bailey
Leon Bailey was revolutionised under Emery last term and was one of Villa’s most important players, alongside the likes of Pau, Martinez and Ollie Watkins.
The Jamaican will be eager to replicate such form in 2024/25 and a strong pre-season should help, with the blistering winger starting on his favoured right flank.
Morgan Rogers
Rogers is bracing himself for a big season at Villa Park, having shown glimpses of his talent after arriving from Middlesbrough in January.
He was arguably Villa’s most impressive player against Walsall, cutting in from the left flank to score twice and now, he’ll want to continue finding the net in Slovakia.
Louie Barry
Barry, who came off the bench to score against the Saddlers, should be granted a start against European opposition.
Although he doesn’t have a future at Villa Park, at least this season, by showing solid form in pre-season, he’s placing his name in the shop window.
Stockport County were interested in signing the 21-year-old permanently following his loan spell however, it remains to be seen where he ends up, as it’s unlikely first-team football is on the cards at Villa.
