Aston Villa's 2022/23 campaign will see Steven Gerrard take charge for his first full term at Villa Park, and he will be well aware of just how important pre-season is. It gives him the chance to decide his strongest 11, whilst also handing new signings the chance to fully integrate themselves into the squad.
A good pre-season can lead to an excellent Premier League campaign - something that those at Villa Park will be desperate for after an underwhelming 14th-place finish last season. As they prepare for the new Premier League season, the Midlands club will have five games to get up to speed.
Aston Villa's pre-season schedule
Saturday 9 July 1pm BST: Walsall vs Aston Villa
Aston Villa kick off their pre-season with a trip to the Poundland Bescot Stadium, where they will face League Two outfit Walsall, with kick off taking place at 1pm BST.
Monday 17 July 5:35am BST: Aston Villa vs Leeds United
Next up for Gerrard’s side in pre-season is a game against fellow Premier League outfit Leeds United. And it’ll be an early start for Villa fans, with kick off scheduled for 5:35am. The game is set to take place at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
Wednesday 20 July 10:45am BST: Brisbane Roar vs Aston Villa
Three days after playing Leeds, Aston Villa take on Brisbane Roar at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium, with the kick off set for 10:45am BST as Gerrard's side continue their tour of Australia.
Saturday 23 July 10:45am BST: Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Whether it’s a friendly or competitive game, Steven Gerrard vs Manchester United in some capacity is always entertaining. In this instance, it is a friendly with Aston Villa taking on Manchester United at the Optus Stadium in Perth to close their trip to Australia.
Saturday 30 July 5pm BST: Rennes vs Aston Villa
To end their pre-season, Villa take a trip to France to face Rennes at Roazhon Park, with the kick off time set for 5pm BST. Fans will be hoping that, by this point, the players are back to full fitness and sharpness ahead of the start of the Premier League season.
How to watch Aston Villa's pre-season fixtures online
On Villa TV, fans have the option to buy a five-match package, which will come with 12 months of access to VillaTV+ for £44.99. Meanwhile, a match pass for the one Walsall game is £4.99. Or you can buy an Australia match pack, which comes with 12 months of VillaTV+, for £27.99. There's also the option of a four-match pack for £36.99. You can subscribe to Villa TV here.