Aston Villa vs Real Sociedad provides Unai Emery with another demanding pre-season examination before his squad travels to Asia.
Villa remain without several senior internationals, while injuries could again force the manager to rely on academy players at Bescot Stadium.
The friendly takes place on Tuesday, 28 July, with kick-off scheduled for 7.30 pm. Supporters unable to attend can watch the match live through VillaTV.
Villa opened their preparations with a comfortable 5-0 victory over Walsall before suffering a 2-1 defeat against Porto on Saturday.
Luka Lynch scored Villa’s goal at the Estádio do Dragão, continuing his impressive summer. The academy midfielder also contributed during the Walsall victory and could receive another opportunity against Spanish opposition.
Aston Villa vs Real Sociedad team news
Pau Torres, Tammy Abraham and Alysson are expected to remain unavailable through injury. Torres suffered his problem during the opening days of pre-season, although the initial assessment suggested it was not serious.
ReadAstonVilla’s latest Pau Torres injury update explains that Villa have not yet confirmed when the defender will return.
Emi Buendía could feature after sitting out the Porto defeat while his workload was managed. Leon Bailey was forced off during the first half in Portugal, making his involvement less certain.
Emiliano Martínez, Ezri Konsa, Lucas Digne, Ollie Watkins and Johan Manzambi remain unavailable following their World Cup involvement. Amadou Onana is also beginning a lengthy recovery from the serious knee injury suffered while representing Belgium.
Those absences should leave Tyrone Mings, Ian Maatsen and João Gomes among the most experienced players available to Emery.
Villa’s 2-1 defeat against Porto offered useful minutes to Modou Keba Cissé, Lamare Bogarde, George Hemmings and Brad Burrowes. Several of those players should remain involved on Tuesday.
Real Sociedad are also missing important internationals. Takefusa Kubo and Luka Sučić have returned from their post-World Cup breaks but are not expected to play. Mikel Oyarzabal remains away after helping Spain win the tournament. (sportsmole.co.uk)
What Emery will want to see
Villa struggled when Porto pressed their build-up during Saturday’s defeat. Real Sociedad should provide another strong technical test and attempt to force mistakes around Emery’s defence.
Gomes could therefore play an important role at the base of midfield. The Brazilian offers aggression and mobility, but Villa will also need him to receive possession calmly when Real Sociedad close space.
Emery will want greater control from his senior attackers. Villa created some promising moments in Portugal but struggled to produce consistent pressure after Bailey’s early departure.
Lynch has strengthened his claim for further minutes after scoring in both pre-season fixtures. Burrowes could lead the attack again, while Buendía’s possible return would add creativity behind him.
Real Sociedad arrive after recording their first pre-season victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side won 2-1 at Bescot Stadium and should be more familiar with the surroundings than Villa. (sportsmole.co.uk)
Predicted Aston Villa lineup
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Marco Bizot; Kosta Nedeljković, Modou Keba Cissé, Tyrone Mings, Ian Maatsen; Lamare Bogarde, João Gomes; Leon Bailey, Emi Buendía, Luka Lynch; Brad Burrowes.
Bailey’s fitness could lead to a late change. Ben Broggio or George Hemmings would be the leading alternatives if the winger is unavailable.
Score prediction
Aston Villa 1-2 Real Sociedad
Villa are missing too many established starters to select a settled side. Real Sociedad also have absentees, but their victory over Wolves suggests they are slightly further ahead in their preparations.
The result remains secondary, although Aston Villa vs Real Sociedad should offer Emery valuable information before Villa begin their demanding Asian schedule.
