Steve Coppell has described Aston Villa as the perfect pre-season opponents for Reading.

The Royals will play host to Martin O'Neill's men on Saturday, 2nd August (3pm kick-off). And Coppell says their style of football will give the Royals a good test in their final game before the Championship season kicks off at Nottingham Forest on Sunday 10th August.

Coppell said, "We were delighted to be able to arrange ths game.

"Nick Hammond was looking for the opposition, and there were some big names but not all of them were helpful in terms of style.

"Villa are perfect opposition because they play an English style in the Premiership, when a lot of teams have a world style. They have great individuals too.

"I know Martin's team will have a level of attention. A lot of teams' pre-season games are meaningless, but he will have his team ready to go, it will be a stern test."