Aston Villa have now enjoyed back-to-back superb seasons under Unai Emery finishing seventh and then fourth last time out. It will be difficult to keep that momentum up with Champions League football to contend with, and they may struggle to get going against a fit and ready Columbus Crew outfit.
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Columbus Crew vs Aston Villa Prediction: More about fitness than the result for Emery's men
Key stats
- Aston Villa are yet to concede in pre-season
- Columbus Crew have lost just one of their last seven matches
- The Crew have scored 22 goals in their previous seven league games
Correct score prediction: Columbus Crew 2-1 Aston Villa
While Aston Villa have a much superior squad on paper, it remains to be seen which players Emery will have at his disposal with several of his stars having been away with their respective countries over the summer. So, this is why the Spanish coach will be more interested in getting his men up to full fitness and not so much about the result.
Pre-game odd and win probability: The Villans fancied to maintain winning run
- Home: 29/10 (3.9) – 25.6%
- Draw: 29/10 (3.9) – 25.6%
- Away: 8/13 (1.62) – 61.9%
It's no surprise that the bookmakers have Aston Villa as favourites given their impressive depth and form under Emery.
However, we are going to be far more cautious and instead back just the BTTS market. While this wouldn't necessarily present great value, we do still offer many more free betting tips on our dedicated page.
Most recent H2Hs: Aston Villa boast the sole victory
Given how different the MLS and Premier League calendars are it's no surprise these two teams have not met very often, although it's a slight shock they've even crossed paths once. Villa ran out 3-1 winners during a pre-season friendly back in July 2007, so they do boast a minimal advantage.
Columbus Crew Preview: A win will be expected
Currently sitting third in the MLS' Eastern Conference, it's unclear how strong the Columbus Crew will go in what is essentially a meaningless game to them and their season. However, if they do go relatively big, then a statement win could be on the cards.
Predicted lineup: Johnson (GK), Cheberko, Camacho, Moreira, Sands, Jones, Nagbe, Jackson, Russell-Rowe, Rossi, Hernandez
USA MLS 10/05/25
D
Philadelphia Union
2
Columbus Crew
2
USA MLS 03/05/25
W
Charlotte FC
2
Columbus Crew
4
USA MLS 26/04/25
W
San Jose Earthquakes
1
Columbus Crew
2
USA MLS 19/04/25
L
Inter Miami CF
1
Columbus Crew
0
USA MLS 13/04/25
W
St. Louis City SC
1
Columbus Crew
2
Aston Villa Preview: Emery will have high standards
Villa have won their opening two games in pre-season this summer but jetting off to face an MLS outfit who are well into their regular campaign will be a different task altogether. Emery knows he may not be able to call upon some more regular first-team players, but he will still be eager to see an inspired performance.
Predicted lineup: Olsen (GK), Maatsen, Carlos, Torres, Cash, Bailey, Onana, Dendoncker, Barkley, Rogers, Dobbin
England Premier League 10/05/25
W
Bournemouth
0
Aston Villa
1
England Premier League 03/05/25
W
Fulham
0
Aston Villa
1
England FA Cup 26/04/25
L
Crystal Palace
3
Aston Villa
0
England Premier League 22/04/25
L
Man City
2
Aston Villa
1
England Premier League 19/04/25
W
Newcastle
1
Aston Villa
4
Player to watch: Morgan Rogers
After only joining in January this year, Morgan Rogers already appears to be someone pushing for regular starts under Emery this season. Rogers has scored three goals in pre-season thus far and managed to register four goal involvements in the second half of last season.
Rogers will likely benefit from someone such as Moussa Diaby departing meaning Emery could be more flexible in where he plays the young English star. Pre-season is the perfect opportunity for the 22-year-old to stake a claim as to why he must be starting on the opening day of the campaign.