Villa set for Sporting Braga friendly

Aston Villa will see a step up in competition for their second pre-season friendly, as a clash with Bristol City has been replaced by tie with Portuguese side Sporting Braga.

The fixture is set to take place on July 17th at the Estadio Da Nora, in Albufeira in Portugal, the same date and venue of the original game with Bristol City. Tickets for the game are free of charge, though it is unlikely that many will make the trip.

There has been no word as to why the change has been made.

Obviously Braga is a tougher opponent than Bristol City, but despite the fact that Braga finished 4th in the Portuguese league, the different calibre of opposition shouldn't make too much difference to Villa. The fixture takes place relatively early on in Villa's pre-season, so the purpose of the game isn't dependent on a result. Really, it will be a good chance to see some younger players and fringe players playing alongside the established squad. It could also be a chance to see new signing Micah Richards in action for the first time.

Here is the updated pre-season schedule:

July 9-18: Portugal training camp.

July 11: Open training session and friendly (6:30 PM) against Fulham at Estadio Da Nora, Albufeira, Portugal

July 17: Open training session and friendly (6:30 PM) against S.C. Braga at Estadio Da Nora, Albufeira, Portugal

July 21: Friendly at Swindon Town (7:45 PM)

July 25: Friendly at Walsall (3 PM)

July 28: Friendly at Wolves (7:45 PM)

August 1: Friendly at Nottingham Forest (3 PM)