Donyell Malen celebrating at Aston Villa
(Credit: Imago)
Jack Dawson
Sun 3 August 2025 20:48, UK
Aston Villa have had a tough pre-season to date ahead of the new 2025/26 campaign.
Unai Emery’s side have only won one of their friendlies so far, with the Premier League campaign now less than two weeks away.
On Saturday, Villa played out a 2-2 draw against Nashville, another disappointing result ahead of the new season.
However, there is still time to make amends, with the Birmingham outfit set to take on Roma on Wednesday, before facing Marseille on Saturday, and Villarreal the following day.
Therefore, Aston Villa News has attempted to predict who Emery will start against the Serie A outfit at the Bescot Stadium, with Donyell Malen expected to come in.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery
Emery will not be amused with what he has seen so far this pre-season (Credit: Imago)
Leon Bailey dropped for Malen in five changes v Roma
Leon Bailey’s form has dramatically dropped off at Aston Villa, and this has continued into pre-season.
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Against Nashville, Bailey proved to be ineffective once again before he was subbed off. Therefore, it is likely that the Jamaican international will be dropped in several changes.
Coming in will likely be Malen, who has had a great pre-season so far, and has now registered three goal contributions in two matches.
Emi Martinez is likely to remain in goal while Lucas Digne and Matty Cash continue to occupy the full-back positions.
At the heart of the defence, Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings come into the team as Emery looks to increase their sharpness.
Aston Villa’s pre-season results so far
Walsall 1-0 Aston Villa
Hansa 3-1 Aston Villa
Frankfurt 2-2 Aston Villa
St. Louis 1-2 Aston Villa
Nashville 2-2 Aston Villa
Villa have struggled in pre-season so far
Into midfield, and Boubacar Kamara will be partnered with Youri Tielemans, who comes back into the side.
Morgan Rogers will take exit-linked Emi Buendia’s place in CAM, with Jacob Ramsey maintaining his spot in the XI.
With Bailey dropping out of the team, in comes Malen, who netted once again on Saturday against Nashville.
Fellow goalscorer Ollie Watkins also keeps his place despite the ongoing speculation regarding his future.
Aston Villa predicted XI vs Roma
Aston Villa predicted XI vs Roma (Credit: Breaking Media)
Villa must deliver against Roma
If Villa put in another poor performance against Roma, it will be a massive concern.
Emery’s side will be expected to fight for Champions League qualification this season once again. However, performances so far this pre-season have suggested that they are not up for this challenge.
While results mean little in the summer, performances do matter, and momentum can be crucial at the start of a campaign.
Hopefully, Villa can quickly dispatch of Roma, helping to ease concerns before they face Newcastle on the opening game week of the Premier League season.
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