As had become customary in recent years, the club has played a host of lower league opposition for the majority of the preseason before wrapping things up against a top flight opponent. For the first time in several years, the Villa Park faithful will get to witness the team before they kick off at The Emirates.
As the preseason has progressed, the games have become less about mere fitness and more about results. Thankfully, the results have improved as the preseason has progressed. More thankfully the club haven’t suffered any major injuries this preseason. That a few players are going to pick up strains and knocks is inevitable, not much for us to complain about here.
At a fan forum, Paul Lambert said that the XI who face Malaga may not necessarily be the same XI who start against Arsenal. He may be keeping his cards close to the vest, or he may very well still be deciding. I do suspect and hope he will field an XI that could conceivably start a Premier League match.
For at least a half I want to see our best against their best playing all out. I want to see exactly where we are at in terms of fitness and preparation as the season beckons. I at least want to see it for a half before we flood the pitch with reserves and kids. I already have a fair idea of what I expect for the upcoming season, I just want to see the whole picture one time before I publish my predictions next week. Lets hope AVTV is working.
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