Aston Villa have travelled to the Spanish East Coast for their final pre-season match of the summer, as they are set to take on La Liga side Valencia.
Unai Emery is returning to the famous Mestalla stadium, having managed Valencia between 2008 and 2012, with a Villa side aiming to step up their preparations ahead of the start of their Premier League campaign next week.
The game will kick off at 8pm UK time, which is 9pm in Spain, and the Villa staff may be cautious about the heat during the game, with temperatures soaring in Valencia.
Villa are currently unbeaten in pre-season so far, with victories over Lazio and Fulham, as well as dramatic draws with Newcastle, Brentford and Walsall.
Valencia finished 16th in La Liga last season, and Villa will hope for a commanding performance to set themselves up for next week.
How to watch Valencia vs Aston Villa?
The game will not be televised, but you can buy a match pass to watch it online on the club website for £4.99.
Will Villa play a strong team?
It seems likely that Emery will pick a strong lineup in order to prepare for next week, but will be without Alex Moreno and Jacob Ramsey due to injury.
Pau Torres could be in line for a start, as the Spaniard returns to the Valencian region where he was born and raised, having joined this summer from Valencia’s rivals Villarreal.
Ollie Watkins and John McGinn scored in the previous game against Lazio, and both are set to feature, with new signings Moussa Diaby and Youri Tielemans also expected to play a part.
Villa face a tough trip to Newcastle to kick off their League campaign next week, and today’s game will be focused on final fitness and tactical preparations ahead of next Saturday.
