By Phil Jennings
TOM Heaton makes his first appearance in a Villa shirt today after his £8.5million move from Burnley.
Boss Dean Smith has put him straight into the side to face Germany’s RB Leipzig in Villa’s final pre-season friendly before the Premier League season gets under way at Tottenham next Saturday.
But, worryingly, there is still no place for £15million midfielder Douglas Luiz – suggesting that he is still waiting for a work permit, the very reason why he could not play for Manchester City.
There is a return to the stating line up for record £22million signing Wesley who did not play in the win at Charlton last week.
Marvelous Nakamba, whose arrival was confirmed on the day Heaton signed, was also missing from the starting line up although he is among the subs – with Conor Hourihane teaming up with Jack Grealish and John McGinn in the centre of the park.
Defender Ezri Konsa and keeper Jed Steer are also not in the squad.
Villa line up: Heaton, Guilbert, Mings, Engels, Targett, Hourihane, McGinn, Grealish, Jota, El Ghazi, Wesley.
Villa Roar 