Aston Villa will continue their pre-season preparations on Saturday, 20 July when they take on Spartak Trnava in Slovakia.
Their opponents on the day are much further along in their pre-season than Aston Villa so they should provide Unai Emery's men with a stern physical test.
Given Villa will want to hit the ground running this season with a Champions League campaign fast approaching, a good pre-season is more important than ever.
Ahead of kick-off, check out our Spartak Trnava vs Aston Villa prediction below.
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Key stats
- Aston Villa have won their one and only pre-season match prior to this match.
- Spark Trnava have failed to win their four prior pre-season matches (three losses and one draw).
- Four of the five pre-season matches that these two teams have played in recent weeks have seen over 2.5 goals scored.
Correct score prediction: Spartak Trnava 0-3 Aston Villa
Although Aston Villa are missing several key players due to their involvement in the Copa America and Euro 2024, they should have too much quality for Spartak Trnava. The Slovakian side finished 3rd in their domestic league last season but have been desperately poor in pre-season so far.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, hit the ground running against Walsall and we're backing them to complete another 3-0 victory on Saturday.
Spartak Trnava haven't faced English opposition in over 50 years which makes this match quite a big deal for their fans, even if it is just a friendly. Their last match against an England side was against Derby County in the European Cup – a match they lost 2-0.
Aston Villa don't have a much deeper record against Slovakian teams with only three matches against teams from the nation on their record. Their most recent clash against a Slovakian team came in the 2008/09 UEFA Cup when they lost 2-1 at home to MSK Zilina.
Additionally, check out more of our betting tips on our betting predictions today page.
Spartak Trnava's friendly match against Aston Villa holds extra significance for the hosts as it is their final match before their first competitive outing of the season. Spartak are set to face Sarajevo in Europa Conference League qualifying next Thursday so picking up their first win of pre-season would actually mean something here.
Predicted lineup: Frelih (GK), Azango, Corryn, Duris, Holik, Kubista, Mikovic, Prochazka, Stetina, Sulek & Twardzik
Europe Friendlies 01/02/25
W
SK Lisen
0
FC Spartak Trnava
2
Czechia Tipsport Liga 25/01/25
W
FC Vion Zlate Moravce
2
FC Spartak Trnava
3
Club Friendly List 23/01/25
W
Botev Plovdiv
1
FC Spartak Trnava
2
Czechia Tipsport Liga 16/01/25
W
STK Samorin
2
FC Spartak Trnava
3
Europe Friendlies 11/01/25
W
FC Trinity Zlin
1
FC Spartak Trnava
2
Aston Villa preview: Getting players up to speed
Aston Villa had their best season in decades in 2023/24 as Unai Emery led them to a top-four finish. Villa fans have never been more excited for a Premier League season so it's important that the team makes the most of pre-season so that they are as prepared as they possibly can be.
Predicted lineup: Olsen (GK), Cash, Torres, Carlos, Digne, Bogarde, Dendoncker, Barkley, Bailey, Archer, Rogers
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: Ross Barkley
After a successful season at Luton Town, Ross Barkley has signed for Aston Villa for the forthcoming season. It is the midfielder's second stint at the club and there is plenty of excitement among the club's fans about what he can bring to this team.
Barkley made his unofficial second debut for the club in their first pre-season friendly against Walsall. Barkley looked in good shape and controlled the match from the midfield. It will be interesting to see how he gets on in Slovakia on Saturday.