Aston Villa to face Middlesbrough and Nantes

Villa will face pre-season games against Middlesbrough and FC Nantes as they prepare for life in the Championship.

The claret and blues, who have been relegated from the top flight for the first-time in their history, have organised a training camp in Austria between July 9 and 14.

They then face a host of games against lower league opposition after returning to the UK.

First up, there's a game with National League North Telford United at The New Bucks Head on Saturday July 16 (kick-off 12pm), while a side will also be sent to play Worcester City at Stourport Swifts (kick-off 3pm).

That is followed by a trip to League One new boys Bristol Rovers on Wednesday July 20, before Villa fly to France to play FC Nantes at the Stade Leo Lagrange, Saint Nazaire - the home of Racing Besançon.

The match against midfielder Jordan Veretout's former side takes place on Saturday July 23, (kick-off 7pm)

League Two Cambridge United are our next opponents on July 26, before Villa host Premier League newcomers Middlesbrough visit Villa Park on Saturday July 30 before the Championship season starts a week later.

CONFIRMED FIRST TEAM GAMES

AFC Telford (A) - 12pm Saturday July 16

Worcester City (At Walshes Meadow, Stourport) - 3pm Saturday July 16

Bristol Rovers (A) - 7.45pm Wednesday July 20

FC Nantes (At Stade Leo Lagrange, Saint Nazaire) - Saturday July 23

Cambridge United (A) - 7.30pm Tuesday July 26

Middlesbrough (H) - 3pm Saturday July 30

CONFIRMED U21 GAMES

Heather St John's (At Coalville) - 7.30pm Thursday July 21

Biggleswade (A) - 2pm Sunday July 24

Tamworth (A) - 7.30pm Wednesday July 27

Chasetown (A) - 7.30pm Monday August 1