Aston Villa Announce Squad for Sixth Pre-Season Friendly Against Athletic Bilbao: Key Players Absent

Aston Villa's Preparation for the New Season

As Aston Villa gears up for the upcoming season, manager Unai Emery has been fine-tuning his squad during pre-season friendlies. The club's sixth friendly match this summer is set to take place at the Bescot Stadium against Spanish side Athletic Bilbao. With the management's goal to test new strategies and player combinations, today's lineup features several changes, mainly due to the recent return of some key players from extended breaks.

Key Players Left Out of the Squad

Unai Emery has decided to exclude several prominent players from today's squad. Ollie Watkins, Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, and Jhon Duran are absent, as they only resumed training on Tuesday morning. Their exclusion could be part of a strategy to avoid any risks with limited preparation time. Other exclusions include Diego Carlos, Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Robin Olsen, and Enzo Barrenechea. Each of these players brings unique skills and experience, so their absence might challenge the team's dynamic.

Aston Villa's Starting Eleven

Today's starting lineup for Aston Villa sees Joe Gauci between the posts, backed by a defensive line-up of Matty Cash, Lamare Bogarde, Pau Torres, and Lucas Digne. In midfield, Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans will work to control the game's tempo. The wings will be operated by Leon Bailey on the right and Jacob Ramsey on the left. Captain John McGinn will play a crucial role in supporting forward Morgan Rogers in attack. This mix of experienced and young players will seek to bounce back from recent defeats.

Athletic Bilbao's Strong Lineup

Athletic Bilbao, finishing fifth in La Liga last season, enters this friendly under the guidance of new manager Ernesto Valverde. Their starting eleven includes Padilla, Gorosabel, Yeray, Paredes, Yuri, Vesga, Prados, I. Williams, O. Sancet, Berenguer, and Djalo. Bilbao's line-up boasts a strong defensive setup and a midfield designed to keep possession and create opportunities. Bilbao's performance in pre-season has been promising, with recent victories against Fulham and Al-Ittihad showcasing their defensive solidity and attacking prowess.

Substitutions and Tactical Depth

Both teams have a robust list of substitutes available. For Aston Villa, players like Zych, Wright, Barkley, Buendia, Moreno, Iling-Jr, Philogene, Nedeljkovic, Maatsen, Dendoncker, Archer, and Swinkels await their chance to make an impact off the bench. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao's bench includes Gastesi, Adama, Jauregizar, Olabarrieta, Guruzeta, I. Lekue, Marton, Unai G, A. Herrera, H. Rincon, Canales, and Dunabeitia. The depth of both benches suggests that we can expect tactical changes as the game progresses, allowing both managers to adapt and experiment with different formations and strategies.

Anticipation and Expectations

This match offers a valuable opportunity for both Aston Villa and Athletic Bilbao to refine their squads and tactics ahead of their respective league campaigns. For Aston Villa, it's a chance to break away from the disappointing string of recent defeats and regain momentum. They must find a balance between giving key players rest and ensuring the team remains competitive. Bilbao, on the other hand, will seek to continue their strong pre-season form and build confidence under their new manager. Both teams' performances today could provide insights into their readiness and potential for the upcoming season.

Looking Ahead

As the pre-season draws to a close, every match holds significance for the teams involved. Aston Villa and Athletic Bilbao will aim to capitalize on this friendly to assess their strengths and identify areas needing improvement. Supporters will closely watch how new signings integrate and how managers like Unai Emery and Ernesto Valverde leverage their squads' depth and versatility. Ultimately, today's friendly is more than just a game; it is a stepping stone toward a successful season ahead.

Conclusion

Today's match between Aston Villa and Athletic Bilbao is a key fixture in the pre-season calendar for both teams. With several top players being rested, Aston Villa's remaining squad members have a chance to step up and prove their worth. Athletic Bilbao will use this as an opportunity to perfect their strategies under their new manager. Both teams are on a quest to build momentum and confidence, making today's friendly an exciting and essential encounter for fans and teams alike.