Aston Villa face Borussia Mönchengladbach in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday with Unai Emery suddenly facing two more enforced selection changes.
Villa travel to Borussia-Park only three days after their 2-1 UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, but Brian Madjo and João Gomes are now expected to miss the game through injury.
Madjo is reportedly sidelined until at least September, while Gomes faces between two and four weeks out after picking up a problem following the PSG game. talkSPORT, citing The Athletic, reported both setbacks on Friday.
Predicted Aston Villa XI vs Borussia Monchengladbach
Predicted XI: Bizot; Nedeljkovic, Lindelöf, Mings, Maatsen; Kamara, McGinn; Buendía, Barkley, Hemmings; Abraham.
Marco Bizot should have another opportunity in goal after starting the Super Cup, with Villa unlikely to take unnecessary risks with Emiliano Martínez immediately after his extended post-World Cup break.
The defence could offer Emery an opportunity to rotate.
Kosta Nedeljkovic is pushing for minutes at right-back while his future remains uncertain, and Tyrone Mings could come into the centre alongside Victor Lindelöf. Ian Maatsen may retain his place on the left as Villa continue preparing for their Premier League opener.
Villa confirmed earlier this summer that Borussia Mönchengladbach would provide their final pre-season test, with kick-off scheduled for 2.30pm BST.
Gomes absence creates midfield opportunity
Gomes’ injury leaves Emery with fewer senior midfield options.
Amadou Onana remains sidelined following the serious knee injury he suffered at the World Cup, increasing the importance of Boubacar Kamara and captain John McGinn.
Ross Barkley could consequently be given another opportunity alongside or ahead of that pair, while Emi Buendía should remain heavily involved after starting against PSG.
George Hemmings also deserves another look after his encouraging summer and impressive involvement in Villa’s equaliser in Salzburg.
Up front, Tammy Abraham looks the obvious candidate to lead the line.
Madjo’s injury removes one of Emery’s most exciting options after his remarkable Super Cup breakthrough, while Ollie Watkins has only recently returned following his extended summer break.
Saturday’s result will matter less than the decisions Emery makes.
With the Premier League opener against Brighton only eight days away, the final Villa starting XI of pre-season should offer some significant clues about who is ready to play a major role when the competitive domestic campaign begins.
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