Aston Villa have confirmed a change to one of their key pre-season fixtures, with the club’s friendly against Real Sociedad at the Bescot Stadium being pushed back by three days.
The Europa League champions had originally been scheduled to face the Spanish side on Saturday, July 25, as part of their preparations for the new campaign. However, Villa have now announced that the match will instead take place on Tuesday, July 28, with kick-off remaining at 7.30pm.
The fixture will still be played at Walsall’s Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium, which has become a familiar summer venue for Villa in recent years. The change means supporters will now have to wait a little longer to see Unai Emery’s side in action against one of La Liga’s most respected clubs.
Villa’s annual meeting with Walsall remains unaffected by the switch. The traditional pre-season clash between the two Midlands clubs will still go ahead on Tuesday, July 21, also kicking off at 7.30pm.
The game against Real Sociedad is expected to provide a stern test for Emery’s squad as preparations continue for another demanding season. Villa will return to the Champions League after winning the Europa League and are aiming to build on their recent success under the Spanish manager.
The revised date also gives Emery a few extra days to work with his players before they take on the Basque outfit, who are expected to bring a strong squad to the West Midlands.
With Villa expected to welcome several new faces this summer, the rescheduled encounter could prove an important opportunity for players to build fitness and chemistry before competitive action begins. Supporters will also be eager to see how Emery shapes his squad after another memorable campaign that delivered silverware and restored the club’s status among Europe’s elite once again as anticipation grows across Birmingham.
Pre-season fixtures often offer supporters an early glimpse of new signings and tactical plans, and the encounter with Real Sociedad is likely to attract significant interest. Villa fans will now be counting down to July 28 as excitement continues to build ahead of another hugely anticipated campaign.
About the Author
