UNAI EMERY faces a tough first five games as Aston Villa manager when he takes the reins on November 1.
The Spaniard was appointed as Steven Gerrard’s successor on Monday after Villa triggered his £5.2million release clause at Villarreal.
Emery is believed to have agreed a three-year deal but will not be in charge for Saturday’s clash against Newcastle as he is yet to receive a work permit.
But the Villans hope he will be in the dugout for the visit of Manchester United on November 6.
Emery will then take his new side to Old Trafford four days later for a Carabao Cup third-round clash.
It is a brutal early test for Emery but he will be encouraged by Villa’s performance in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Brentford.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Once the Red Devils are out of the way Villa face another difficult trip to Brighton, which is their last match before the Premier League takes a break for the World Cup.
And Emery will not find life any easier when Prem action returns as Liverpool are the visitors to Villa Park on Boxing Day.
If that was not bad enough, Villa then travel to North London to take on Tottenham on New Year’s Day before the Black Country derby against Wolves three days later.
It is a baptism of fire for Emery but the former Arsenal boss could do his old side a big favour if he beats the likes of United, Liverpool and Spurs.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
The trio are all top four rivals of the Gunners, who may have their eye on a bigger prize after winning nine of their first 11 Prem games.
Emery joined Arsenal in 2018 and led them to the 2019 Europa League final where he lost 4-1 to Chelsea, and was sacked six months later.
