Walsall 1-1 Aston Villa LIVE: First half ratings as Ollie Watkins converts penalty to draw level
Aston Villa kick-off their pre-season programme with a friendly against Walsall at the Poundland Bescot Stadium this afternoon (13:10).
Villa jet out to the USA next week to play Premier League Summer Series games against Newcastle, Fulham and Brentford, before they return to the Bescot to face Lazio on Thursday, August 3. Then, a couple of days later, Villa are in Valencia to complete their pre-season schedule.
This afternoon, Villa will be without a number of first-team regulars due to their involvement in internationals over the summer, while Alex Moreno, Bertrand Troare, Jacob Ramsey and Philippe Coutinho are injured.
Opponents Walsall began their pre-season programme earlier this month, and played their first friendly on Tuesday night against Leamington. Mat Sadler's side won 4-1 and are gearing up for their fifth consecutive campaign in League Two next season.
You can follow the action below, as Villa reporter John Townley provides pre-match build-up, updates, match reaction and analysis.
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