Contents
Mixed Pre-Season Fortunes for Villa
Aston Villa are wrapping up their pre-season with a friendly against Borussia Dortmund in Germany this Saturday, following an inconsistent run of results. Despite securing early wins, Unai Emery’s team has experienced a series of losses, only to bounce back with a 3-2 victory over Athletic Club. The Midlands club is looking to fine-tune their squad ahead of an anticipated Champions League campaign.
Dortmund’s Pre-Season: A Rocky Road
Like their English counterparts, Borussia Dortmund has had a rocky pre-season under new manager Nuri Sahin. The German side’s sole win came against Cerezo Osaka, with a heavy defeat to Pathum United highlighting their challenges. Both teams are seeking to bolster their confidence with a strong performance in this upcoming friendly.
Historic First: Dortmund vs Villa
The upcoming match marks the first-ever competitive encounter between Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa. Both clubs have had a varied run of pre-season results, with Villa’s recent fixtures including a narrow win over Athletic Club and losses to Club America and RB Leipzig. Dortmund’s recent outings have been equally varied, with a draw against Villarreal and a loss to Real Madrid.
Where to Watch: Tune in to Villa TV
UK fans eager to catch the action can watch the friendly on Villa TV, with a subscription required. The service is also available for viewers in the United States and Canada.
Injury Update: Villa’s Guirassy Sidelined
Villa’s summer signing Serhou Guirassy is out with a knee injury, potentially missing two months of action. However, recent Dortmund recruits Pascal Gross, Waldemar Anton, and Yan Couto are expected to gain more playtime, with London-born Jamie Bynoe-Gittens likely to start after scoring in the previous game.
Predicted Lineups: Villa and Dortmund’s Tactical Setup
Dortmund’s predicted lineup features a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Villa is expected to field a 4-3-3 setup. Villa’s lineup will be without Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara due to long-term injuries, but will see the return of Jacob Ramsey and Emiliano Buendia. Ian Maatsen, a significant summer acquisition, is set to face his former Bundesliga team.
Pre-Season Patterns: Goals Expected in Dortmund
Both Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund have shown defensive vulnerabilities but promise in attack during their pre-season campaigns. This suggests the friendly could be a high-scoring affair, providing both teams with essential preparation for their upcoming competitive seasons. For Villa, the match is particularly important as they look forward to their first Champions League appearance since the competition’s rebranding.
