In early August, the footballing world turns its gaze to Walsall as Aston Villa go head-to-head with Roma in a high-profile International Club Friendly. While friendlies can sometimes drift into the subdued, this encounter is brimming with intrigue most notably, new Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical duel with Unai Emery, a master of cup competitions himself. Both sides approach with different recent fortunes: Villa seeking to regain momentum after a modest run, while Roma ride the crest of a winning streak that’s the envy of pre-season Europe.
Keep an eye on Villa’s dynamic midfielder John McGinn, whose tireless work between lines often tips the tempo, and Roma’s clinical wide forward Paulo Dybala, a perennial threat with a wicked left foot who has made a statement in every summer outing so far. The “hot stat”? Roma boast a 100% win record over the past month, seizing victory in all three of their latest fixtures clear evidence of sharp pre-season form and a hint at the resilience under Gasperini’s evolving system.
| 🏆 Tournament: | International Club Friendly 2025 |
| 🏟 Venue: | Bescot Stadium, Walsall |
| 🗓️ Date: | 06.08.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 21:30 CEST |
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Aston Villa vs Roma prediction
Given both teams’ distinctive pre-season trajectories, Roma emerge here as slight favourites, despite facing Villa on English soil. That’s not to say Villa are without bite Emery’s side, utilising a flexible 3-4-1-2 in recent games, can pinch leads and defend with numbers. Yet Roma, with a crisp 4-3-3 and a recent knack for defensive solidity and clinical counter attacks, appear the side more likely to control large patches of play.
Tactically, expect a lively midfield contest. Villa’s style is physical but sometimes undisciplined, picking up more bookings and committed fouls than their Italian guests, which could yield promising set-pieces for the Giallorossi. Villa’s pass accuracy and possession have fluctuated, while Roma’s numbers are trending upward indicative of Gasperini’s touch for quick combinations and ball recoveries. Corners and attacking width could well be the battleground, with both sides showing an appetite for stretching the pitch but Roma finishing more efficiently.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Roma Draw No Bet |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Aston Villa enter this fixture on the back of a mixed patchwork of results. In their last five outings, they’ve drawn twice (2-2 vs Nashville, 2-2 vs Eintracht Frankfurt), beaten St. Louis City (2-1), but fell short against Hansa Rostock (1-3) and local rivals Walsall (0-1). Their last test against Nashville saw promising forward play but a few lapses at the back both goals conceded in moments of transition. Consistency across halves remains an issue, but there are sparks, particularly from the likes of Ollie Watkins and McGinn sparking attacks. Emery’s system is tactically robust but sometimes falters against rapid transitional teams.
Roma, on the other hand, are buzzing. Their last three fixtures produced wins without conceding: 2-0 over Lens, 3-0 vs Cannes, and 1-0 away at Kaiserslautern. Even extending back into the spring, Roma have pushed beyond expectation, recently toppling Italian heavyweights Milan (3-1) and securing a tidy 2-0 against Torino. Their trade is all about midfield control, effective pressing, and smart use of wide channels. Paulo Dybala’s continued sharpness in and around the box, coupled with the maturity of Bryan Cristante in the centre, give them a real engine room edge.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Aston Villa | Roma |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 7 | 8 |
| Total shots | 23 | 27 |
| Free kicks | 35 | 26 |
| Corner kicks | 18 | 21 |
| Total fouls | 48 | 32 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 81 | 85 |
| Interceptions | 34 | 41 |
| Offsides | 9 | 7 |
🚨Read our full Aston Villa vs Roma stats for more analysis.

Aston Villa. Source: Official Website
Pre-game odds and win probability: Roma the favourite
- Moneyline Aston Villa 2.60 | Roma 2.40
- Draw 3.30
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.80 | Under 2.5 2.00
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.60 | No 2.30
Roma’s shorter odds are no surprise given their electric recent form. The odds for Villa reflect home advantage, but punters will note Roma’s reliability on the road in friendlies and their never-say-die pre-season presence. The market expects a goal fest hence the odds shading Over 2.5 and Both Teams To Score, right in line with the teams’ recent attacking outputs.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
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Possible Starting Lineups
Aston Villa possible starting eleven
- GK: Emiliano Martínez
- DF: Matty Cash, Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa
- MF: Lucas Digne, John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey
- FW: Moussa Diaby, Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey
Expect Unai Emery to stick to his recent 3-4-1-2 framework with Martínez providing shot-stopping heroics behind a trusted back three. Cash and Digne likely operate as wingbacks, bombing on to support the dangerous front two. McGinn’s energy and Luiz’s distribution make the midfield tick, while Diaby’s pace and Bailey’s unpredictability could unsettle Roma’s defence. Formation flexibility (shifting to 3-4-3 at times) is a hallmark under Emery, and the key will be whether Watkins can take those half-chances.
Roma possible starting eleven

- GK: Mile Svilar
- DF: Rick Karsdorp, Gianluca Mancini, Chris Smalling, Leonardo Spinazzola
- MF: Bryan Cristante, Leandro Paredes, Lorenzo Pellegrini
- FW: Paulo Dybala, Romelu Lukaku, Stephan El Shaarawy
Gasperini should unveil his favoured 4-3-3 Svilar behind a seasoned back four, attacking fullbacks in Karsdorp and Spinazzola, and a midfield triangle blessed with grit and vision. Dybala is an ever-present goal threat, Lukaku holds the line and connects, and El Shaarawy injects flair. With Cristante marshalling from deep and Pellegrini setting the rhythm, this XI is well-equipped to dictate play and probe Villa’s flanks.
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Roma. Source: Official Website
My take on the Match
Given recent form and squad cohesion, Roma look the sharper outfit heading into this friendly. My main pick: Roma Draw No Bet. While Villa have shown flashes, they lack the clinical streak Roma possess right now. Expect both teams to score, but Roma’s midfield control and fresh legs up front could prove decisive. This is a serious test for Villa’s defensive shape if Lukaku and Dybala combine well, it could be a long night for the Villans. That said, this is pre-season football: expect entertainment, goals, and a few surprises!

