Aston Villa Team News - Soccer

Arsenal starts Premier League title defense against promoted Coventry

Arsenal will begin its Premier League title defense at home against newly promoted Coventry, kicking off the league’s 2026-27 season on August 21

21 HOURS AGO • Associated Press

Ezri Konsa - Rough opener with England Konsa recorded two shots and 67 passes completed in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Croatia.

Impact Konsa received the start Wednesday and was not at his very best, as his side would concede two goals while he failed to pick up a significant stat on defense. He would complete 67 of his 71 passes, although this does not replace the rough day in defense. England does have plenty of quality center-backs, so there is a chance of rotation throughout the group stage.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Emiliano Martinez - Keeps clean sheet in win Martinez recorded no saves and allowed zero goals in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Algeria.

Impact Martinez was beaten inside the first 15 minutes but Algeria's goal was ruled out, and he didn't face a big threat the rest of the way. With upcoming games against Austria and Jordan, a scenario in which Martinez ends the group stage with three consecutive clean sheets can't be ruled out.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Emiliano Martinez - Starting as expected Martinez (finger) is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's clash against Algeria.

Impact Martinez will bounce back to action after missing Argentina's practice matches while he completed his rehabilitation from a small fracture. The goalkeeper will therefore be selected over Geronimo Rulli and Juan Musso throughout the tournament as long as he avoids further physical problems. In that case, Martinez could be reliable for fantasy output as his team has the potential to allow few goals at least in the initial fixtures, and he's usually a solid shot stopper when tested.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Amadou Onana - Replaced after difficult display Onana recorded one clearanceand one interception in Monday's 1-1 draw against Egypt.

Impact Onana had a difficult evening in Monday's 1-1 draw with Egypt, managing just one clearance and one interception in a defensive midfield role where he was unable to impose himself physically against Egypt's pressing and was replaced by Nicolas Raskin in the second half, with the substitute immediately making a stronger impression and raising questions about the starting lineup for Belgium's next fixture against Iran. The midfielder struggled to assert his usual presence in the midfield battle and was bypassed too easily on multiple occasions as Egypt's transitional play exploited the spaces around him, contributing to an Egyptian goal that came through a breakdown in the central defensive structure. Onana will need to rediscover his best form quickly if he is to retain his starting role for the remainder of Belgium's World Cup campaign.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Youri Tielemans - Active role in midfield Tielemans had two shots (zero on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Monday's 1-1 draw against Egypt.

Impact Tielemans played a disciplined and energetic role in Monday's 1-1 draw with Egypt, registering two shots off-target and four crosses (one accurate) from a deep midfield position that required him to both protect the backline and contribute in the attacking transition throughout a match his side dominated in possession but struggled to convert. The Aston Villa midfielder covered significant ground and was involved in multiple sequences that created half-chances for Kevin de Bruyne and Leandro Trossard, providing the connecting link between the defensive and offensive phases in a 4-2-3-1 that failed to click at the right moments. His energy and ball-winning ability from a deep role give Belgium an important platform to build from, and his consistency across the next group games will be central to whether the Red Devils can find the rhythm their squad quality demands.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Emiliano Martinez - Set to play Tuesday Martinez (finger) is set to play in their World Cup opener against Algeria on Tuesday if no setback takes place, according to manager Lionel Scaloni. "Emiliano is fine. If everyth...

Impact Martinez is looking to be an option for Argentina's opener after some questions about health, as he has been training the past few days. This is a major boost to the team, as he was clearly an essential piece of the World Cup-winning squad in 2022, earning the Golden Glove in the process. He should then continue as a starter in net, with Geronimo Rulli as a backup option.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Victor Lindelof - Decent showing in Tunisia clash Lindelof (foot) had one of-targe shot, one interception and three clearances and won one tackle in Sunday's 5-1 victory over Tunisia.

Impact Lindelof was able to start and go to distance after nursing a minor foot problem in recent days and was composed in the back, but Tunisia bagged a goal through a set piece, where most Swedish players were caught ball-watching. Lindelof should be a defensive stalwart the rest of the way. He contributed to four clean sheets in 27 matches (20 starts) with Aston Villa in the past campaign.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

John McGinn - Scores goal to seal World Cup win McGinn scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 1-0 win versus Haiti.

Impact McGinn scored the only goal of the game, which sealed victory for Scotland in their opening World Cup game against Haiti. He scored 28 minutes in to put his nation 1-0 ahead, and it ended up being the only goal. After a cross by Ben Gannon Doak was cleared by the keeper as Che Adams chased it in. The ball fell to McGinn on the edge of the box, and he was able to find the back of the net. His leadership in the top half of the pitch was crucial as Scotland tried to control the game after his goal. He took two shots and attempted three crosses, as well as taking two of Scotland's three corners.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Victor Lindelof - Good to go Lindelof (foot) is available for Sunday's clash with Tunisia, according to manager Graham Potter. "All players are available and ready to play (against Tunisia). I have a pretty c...

Impact Lindelof is still dealing with a sprained foot, but it doesn't seem to be a major concern as he's fit and available for the opening clash. Lindelof is expected to start if he's fully fit, and should slot straight in as one of the key presences in central defense. He played a significant role to close the season with Aston Villa, starting the final six matches.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Emiliano Martinez - Trains well, set to start Martinez finished training well again and continues pushing himself, with the goalkeeper set to play against Algeria, according to Gaston Edul.

Impact Martinez has been dealing with a fractured finger since the Europa League final on May 24, which kept him out of both friendlies that followed with the national team. He continues to show progression day after day as he pushes to be available for defending champions, and the latest update shows he is training well and should start in the opener against Algeria.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Emiliano Martinez - Trains with gloves Thursday Martinez trained with both gloves for the first time since fracturing his right ring finger after the medical staff removed his cast on Thursday, with coach Lionel Scaloni expressi...

Impact Martinez completed reaction and deflection exercises despite showing some signs of discomfort, with the decision to remove the cast marking a significant step forward in his recovery. The defending world champions will continue monitoring his condition over the coming days but the direction of travel is clearly positive, with manager Scaloni backing his number one to be ready when Argentina's campaign gets underway.

JUNE 12 • ROTOWIRE

Knicks fever is colliding with World Cup buzz, and New York soccer bars are trying to juggle both

In most nations hosting the World Cup, soccer is a fixation

JUNE 12 • Associated Press

Emiliano Martinez - Expected to start against Algeria Martinez (finger) is aiming to feature in Argentina's World Cup opener versus Algeria after the national team's staff decided to remove the cast from the ring finger of his right h...

Impact Martinez has dealt with a fractured finger since the UEFA Europa League finale on May 24, but he should be ready to represent his country after refusing surgery in order to be available for the summer tournament. If the Aston Villa goalkeeper is confirmed as a starter, both Geronimo Rulli and Juan Musso will remain among the substitutes throughout the competition. Additionally, Martinez should benefit from solid clean sheet chances, especially in the easier group-stage fixtures.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

Barred World Cup referee Omar Artan appointed to take charge of UEFA Super Cup final between PSG & Aston Villa

Somali official Omar Artan has been handed a high-profile return to the global stage after being appointed to referee the UEFA Super Cup fin...

JUNE 11 • goal

Barred World Cup referee Omar Artan appointed to take charge of UEFA Super Cup final between PSG & Aston Villa

Aston Villa scouting Parma keeper as potential Martinez replacement | Sporting News It appears that the Premier League side could be looking towards Italy for their next shot stopper.

JUNE 10 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Rogers 'in an uncomfortable spot' amid transfer speculation Aston Villa ace Morgan Rogers is at the centre of plenty of transfer speculation, but he wants to focus his energy on the World Cup.

JUNE 10 • BEINSPORTS.COM

Premier League departures: Sancho leaves Man United, Bissouma out at Tottenham

Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho and Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma are among the players being released by their Premier League teams at the end of their contracts

JUNE 10 • Associated Press

Jadon Sancho - Leaves Manchester United Sancho will leave Manchester United as a free agent following the expiration of his contract, bringing to a close a turbulent five-year association with the club, the club announce...

Impact Sancho joined from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021 and made 83 appearances for United, also forming part of the 2023 Carabao Cup-winning squad. His time at Old Trafford was marked by a well-publicized falling out with the coaching staff that led to loan spells at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa, preventing him from ever fully establishing himself as the player United had hoped he would become when signing him for a significant fee. The 26-year-old winger now enters the market as a free agent, with his undeniable talent ensuring there will be no shortage of interest in his services.

JUNE 10 • ROTOWIRE

Tammy Abraham - Undergoes shoulder surgery Abraham underwent surgery for a persistent shoulder injury last week, with a recovery timeline to be determined once players return for pre-season training, according to John Townl...

Impact Abraham made 16 appearances and scored three goals after joining from Besiktas in January, including a late equalizer against Leeds United and a dramatic 93rd-minute winner against Sunderland, before the shoulder issue ended his involvement in the final weeks of the campaign. Coach Unai Emery expressed his belief that Abraham can reach his best level at Villa with time to adapt, and the successful surgical procedure means the issue has now been resolved ahead of what should be a full pre-season preparation heading into the 2026/27 campaign.

JUNE 9 • ROTOWIRE

Emiliano Martinez - Will have splint removed Friday Martinez (finger) is getting closer to full recovery, with Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni giving an update about his status Monday, saying "On Friday, they take off the splint fr...

Impact Martinez will be assessed once the splint is taken off his finger, but there's hope that he'll be able to start in the World Cup opener against Algeria. The goalkeeper hasn't seen action since the Europa League finale on May 20, and has opted not to undergo surgery so that he can take part in the international tournament. However, in case he's forced to rest at some point, a decision would have to be made between Geronimo Rulli and Juan Musso to take his place in the lineup.

JUNE 8 • ROTOWIRE

Emiliano Martinez - Training apart from group Martinez (finger) remains training separately from the rest of the Argentina squad but is expected to be ready in time for the World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, accordin...

Impact Martinez finished the club season with 125 saves, 13 clean sheets and 49 goals conceded across 44 appearances for Aston Villa, and the coaching staff are taking a cautious approach to his recovery from a broken finger rather than rushing him back into action. A three-time major international title winner and coach Lionel Scaloni's undisputed No. 1, his expected availability for the opener comes as a major boost for Argentina as they begin their World Cup title defense.

JUNE 8 • ROTOWIRE

Morgan Rogers Joins Football's Elitea élite mundial After a breakout season with Aston Villa, Morgan Rogers has become one of the most valuable footballers in the world.

JUNE 7 • BEINSPORTS.COM

New 2026-27 Football Kits: Chelsea, Arsenal, Man Utd Among New Jerseys Revealed

Some of the biggest football names in Europe have recently dropped their new 2026-27 kits.

JUNE 6 • FOX SPORTS

New 2026-27 Football Kits: Chelsea, Arsenal, Man Utd Among New Jerseys Revealed

John McGinn - Set for big playmaking role McGinn should be one of the most important players for Scotland in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Impact McGinn was a key player for Aston Villa in the 2025/26 season, tallying 10 goals and six assists between the UEFA Europa League and the Premier League while filling in a number of roles in midfield. He should form a dynamic playmaking duo next to Scott McTominay in the World Cup, with his fantasy floor being considerably high due to his role in set-piece situations.

JUNE 5 • ROTOWIRE

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Arsenal starts Premier League title defense against promoted Coventry

Knicks fever is colliding with World Cup buzz, and New York soccer bars are trying to juggle both

Barred World Cup referee Omar Artan appointed to take charge of UEFA Super Cup final between PSG & Aston Villa

Premier League departures: Sancho leaves Man United, Bissouma out at Tottenham

New 2026-27 Football Kits: Chelsea, Arsenal, Man Utd Among New Jerseys Revealed