Premier League club set for Abu Dhabi friendly against Al Ain FC | OneFootball

Aston Villa will be in action on Thursday as they take on UAE Pro League side Al Ain FC in a friendly match at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 PM local time (6:00 PM UK time).

Unai Emery and his players, those not called up for international duty, arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Monday morning. Wasting no time, the squad immediately began training at the club’s base in the Middle East.

Despite working with a significantly reduced squad due to international call-ups, Emery believes the change of scenery and warm climate will help his players recharge ahead of a crucial period in the season.

Several players on the trip have recently returned from injury, including Matty Cash, Pau Torres, and record-signing Amadou Onana. Defenders Axel Disasi and Tyrone Mings are also part of the traveling squad.

Villa has been in excellent form since the turn of the year and is currently on a four-match winning streak. The January loan signing Marco Asensio has been one of their standout performers and has made an immediate impact.

Since the start of 2024, Aston Villa has played 17 matches and faces a brutal run of seven games in 21 days after the international break. Their packed schedule includes an FA Cup quarter-final against Preston on March 30, a Champions League quarter-final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain over two legs, and key Premier League fixtures.

Villa did not play over the weekend due to Liverpool’s involvement in the Carabao Cup final. Although they sit ninth in the Premier League table, they are just four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, keeping them firmly in the race for a top-four finish. With plenty still to play for this season, Emery’s side will be aiming to stay sharp and maintain momentum as they prepare for a defining stretch of the campaign.