Aston Villa completed their final pre-season friendly versus Watford on Saturday. The Claret and Blue held the Hornets to a 0-0 draw at Villa Park in a tribute match to the late Graham Taylor.
Aston Villa jotted out a nearly full-strength first eleven against Premier League-side Watford. In place of the injured Sam Johnstone and Mark Bunn, Jed Steer took the reigns in goal.
Aston Villa XI: Johnstone; Hutton, Chester, Terry (C), Taylor; Whelan, Lansbury; Elmohamady, Grealish, Green; Agbonlahor.
In return, Watford called an equally near-full strength first eleven:
Watford XI: Gomes; Cathcart, Kabasele, Kaboul, Mason; Cleverley, Doucoure, Chalobah; Amrabat, Sinclair, Pereyra.
Austrian international Sebastian Prodl took the place on the 7th minute as Kabasele picked up an injury. Not to be outdone, Aston Villa dealt with an early injury of their own as Jack Grealish was replaced. Leandro Bacuna, fresh off a disappointing Gold Cup with Curaçao, took the place of Grealish. He walked off on his own it what looked like a hip/rib bruise.
Aston Villa took it to Watford early with several fizzling crosses on the fast break. Elmohamady in particular excelled on the right flank. Gabby has several chances with his quick, blistering movement. His finishing let him down as he had a 1-on-1 situation saved straight at Heurelho Gomes.
Substitute rankings…too long to list.
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