By Richard Franks

Villa's first game in USA as part of the 2012-13 pre-season schedule isn't until Wednesday but fan excitement is in full swing as preparations begin to take shape.

Across the pond and back home, we have been inundated with fans flooding in messages of support to the team on Twitter and Facebook, most notably expressing their excitement at seeing Lambert's Lions in action for the first time.

Villa head off to Philadelphia, Chicago and Portland today as part of a trio of tantalising tour fixtures which will see Lambert put the squad through their paces as they look to test fitness levels and bag the wins.

Check out the messages of support below:

Josh Larkin (@JLark21): "Love Villa, love the Sounders, beat the snot out of Portland for us! Oh and no injuries."

Bob Stephenson (@bobstephenson): "Flying up to Portland for the #avfc Timbers game. Huge fan. First time seeing the team. So excited!!"

Darren Tibbits (@DeaconOrDog): "Heading to the Chicago Fire - AV game. Long-awaited inaugural live Villa viewing. Early birthday gift. #AVFC"

David Atchison (@DaveyAtch): "Seattle fan and long-time Villa supporter. Can't wait to see my favourite team stomp the Sounders' rival team in Portland."

Geoff Geist (@mynameisGEOFF): "UTV from Detroit!"

Mike Smoak‏ (@Smoakstack): "Flying to Chicago from Charlotte, NC to see the Villa live for the first time."

Andrew Brody (@Brody_Andrew): "Going to support the Villa in Chicago!"

mmy S.‏(@JSchar87): "I will be in my season ticket seats for the friendly vs. @PhilaUnion!I Can't wait! My two fav teams! Will tweet pics @AVFCOfficial."

Markie (‏@ProfOfGoonism): "Traveling to Philadelphia from Pittsburgh to watch the team I love with all my heart. Let's go you Villa Boys!"

Jason Chalifour‏ (@JChalifour): "Already have my Philly tickets, hotel, open training, and meet and greet invite sorted!"

Cheeques‏ (@cheeques): "Making the trip from the Big Apple to see Lambert's Lions in the City of Brotherly Love."

Tom Fone‏ (@tomfone): "Going to see the Villa in Philadelphia. Playing in the supporters match the night before!"

Meanwhile, excitement back at home has been just as big, with a number of fans expressing their elation at seeing the team in action.

Ciaran McDermott on Facebook said: "Good luck on the start of the Claret & Blue invasion of the USA. Can't wait to see the new signings in action on AVTV!"

Matt Kimberley on Facebook is looking forward to a fresh attacking approach. "C'mon you Lions, looking forward to a fresh attacking approach. UTV!"

Back to Twitter, Michael Lockley (@GeordieVillan) is sending his wishes and excitement from Newcastle. "Good luck lads from the Geordie contingent, hope for some big wins!"

Matt Gauntlett (@MattGauntlett) follows a similar theme of well-wishes. "C'mon you Villans! The future's looking bright… I've no doubt you will now conquer #USA tour. Can't wait! #AVFC Good luck!"

Meanwhile Steven Newman (@steven_newman85) leaves the simple message of "UTV! Let's have a brilliant pre-season tour and an awesome season ahead! #LambertsLions."

Villa head out on tour of the USA today - for full information visit our USA 2012 tour guide.