The approach from Unai Emery throughout the U.S. tour has been to see different looks from Aston Villa. How the side is lining up is not necessarily a representation of what the boss will choose to go with against Newcastle United. Instead, it appears that the Spaniard is going with the method of going through and actively practicing all scenarios, in the event that something is needed later down the line.
Some managers will only stick with one philosophy and maintain the same starting XI, more or less, for each match, assuming fitness levels continue to hold true.
For Emery, the emphasis has been more on ensuring that the various players in the squad can be called up and know what is expected in the event that they are asked to step foot into the action.
While speaking with Villa TV, as shared on X, Emery discussed how he is balancing the need to play some of the younger players with the need to prepare the regular starters for the upcoming campaign.
During a season, the squad that enters the year is never going to be able to remain fully intact throughout all matchdays. Having someone who has at least already minimally experienced some time on the pitch at the position that is being asked can become incredibly valuable when injuries or suspensions, for example, force someone new to fill in.
Slight insight from Aston Villa boss
It is never fully known who will be needed and who will be forced to miss time for a lengthy amount of time. This is part of the reason why it does not ever make too much sense to take too much away from the preseason results in and of themselves. Each manager will have a different approach regarding friendlies.
Hearing part of what Emery is thinking at the moment for Villa, though, should help to show that the final tally is a side aspect to these early summer fixtures.