VILLA SET TO KICK-OFF TOUR OF SWEDEN

By Ryan Ghee
July 21 2005

Aston Villa will kick-off their pre-season tour of Sweden today with a match against FC Gallstad. O'Leary has a near full-fit squad to pick from with Mellberg and Delaney the only doubts.

With the opposition being only a part-time team, Aston Villa are the clear favourites to win the match. This tour is the perfect opportunity for the new signings and the youngsters to prove what they can do and we will soon see if Villa have the fire-power upfront to score goals next season.
Speaking on the injuries to Mellberg and Delaney, O'Leary said, "Both Olof and Mark have got knee injuries; they're nothing serious. But I didn't want to take a chance on Mark with the niggles he's had and then see him miss all the games in Sweden. Olof got a kick on his knee in training on Monday when we had a hard session and there is no point taking a chance on that either."
After tonights match, Villa will travel to Jonkopings to play Jonkopings Sodra on Saturday 23rd and the tour will conclude with a match against GAIS on Tuesday 26th.