As the Premier League hits pause for the bumper international break, Aston Villa find themselves with a golden opportunity to reset. With two weeks before their next competitive fixture, manager Unai Emery is taking full advantage of the downtime, utilizing a specialized training camp in Spain and a friendly against Sevilla to fine-tune his squad.
After a mixed start to the 2026–27 campaign, Villa have crucial work to do behind closed doors. Here are five essential objectives Emery and his staff must accomplish before top-flight action resumes:
1. Accelerate Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ Integration
Deadline-day signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been eased into the fold gently, making just one appearance—a full 90 minutes in a Carabao Cup victory over Coventry. Because Emery demands complex tactical responsibilities from his centre-backs both in and out of possession, and with Harwood-Bellis left out of the Champions League squad, a slow rollout was expected.
This extended training stretch provides the ultimate “mini-preseason” to bring him completely up to speed. With Victor Lindelof away on international duty with Sweden, Harwood-Bellis has the perfect platform to impress the coaching staff and push for a regular starting role.
2. Forge Chemistry Between Boubacar Kamara and Joao Gomes
Central midfield remains one of the few areas where Villa escaped international call-ups, giving Emery a rare chance to work uninterrupted with Boubacar Kamara and Joao Gomes.
Kamara’s preseason was limited as he ramped up his recovery from last year’s knee injury, while Gomes fought through his own fitness setbacks and a red card on debut. This uninterrupted block allows Emery to solidify their partnership, assess their collective strengths and weaknesses, and determine how the rest of the tactical setup must balance around them.
3. Ignite Alejandro Garnacho’s Confidence
It hasn’t been a dream start for Alejandro Garnacho since arriving at Villa Park. Limited playing time and a slow adaptation to Emery’s rigorous demands have left fans waiting for him to make his mark.
This break is vital for Garnacho to prove he is grasping the system. He has already taken a step in the right direction, netting Villa’s lone goal in a behind-closed-doors friendly win over Southampton. With fierce competition across the forward line, Garnacho must use this window to build momentum and confidence.
4. Welcome Back Key Players from Injury
Injuries have severely complicated Villa’s early-season rhythm, compounding the challenge of bedding in new signings. While long-term absentees like Amadou Onana remain sidelined for the year and Ian Maatsen is still weeks away, several reinforcements are nearing a return.
Assuming Pau Torres’ hamstring issue isn’t severe, he should slot back into the defensive line. Meanwhile, Brian Madjo is slated to rejoin group training in Spain, and if Leon Goretzka’s social media updates are any indication, he could also be ready to contribute immediately. Restoring these players to the matchday squad will provide a massive boost to Villa’s depth.
5. Prepare for a Trap Game Against High-Flying Brentford
When domestic action resumes, Villa face a stern test at home against a formidable Brentford side currently sitting 4th in the Premier League table. The Bees have historically troubled Villa, and Emery holds a modest record of one win, one draw, and one loss against them in home fixtures.
With Villa having dropped both home matches at their under-construction stadium so far this season, turning fortress Villa Park back into an advantage is non-negotiable. Emery and his staff must use every remaining day in Spain to formulate a winning blueprint.
Do you think Unai Villa’s Spanish training camp will fix their early-season inconsistencies, or will Brentford pose too big a threat when the Premier League returns?
