Unai Emery's Aston Villa XI: Porto Test Looms with Transfer Window Uncertainty | R. Barkley

Aston Villa's Pre-Season Prep: Unai Emery's XI Takes Shape Ahead of Porto Test

Aston Villa are gearing up for a crucial pre-season test against Porto, with Unai Emery set to make key decisions on his starting XI. The transfer window uncertainty adds to the excitement, with several players vying for a spot in the team.

Who's in Line for a Start?

Unai Emery could hand out maiden starts to several players, including Joao Gomes and Lamare Bogarde. The duo impressed in their debut against Walsall, with Gomes playing 45 minutes and Bogarde showing promise despite a duel win rate of just 52 per cent.

Brian Madjo's Third Aston Villa Appearance Looms

Brian Madjo is in line for his third Aston Villa appearance, after impressing in his first two starts. He scored a first-half brace against Walsall, and could replicate that form against Porto. Madjo's chances of starting are boosted by Tammy Abraham's uncertain fitness.

Transfer Window Uncertainty

The transfer window uncertainty adds to the excitement, with several players vying for a spot in the team. Tyrone Mings and Matty Cash could come back in from the start, after their combined 71 appearances last season. Modou Cisse and Ian Maatsen could also keep their places, as they look to prove themselves after being dribbled past 24 times in the Premier League last time around.

Aston Villa Predicted XI vs Porto

Gauci; Cash, Cisse, Mings, Maatsen; Gomes, Bogarde; Barkley, Alysson, Broggio; Madjo.