Tonight, Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa will face off in a highly anticipated pre-season friendly at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany. As both teams prepare for their upcoming competitive campaigns, this match offers a crucial opportunity for players and managers to assess their squads and make final adjustments.

Aston Villa have experienced a rollercoaster pre-season. Despite a promising start with victories against lesser-known teams, the Villans hit a rough patch with three consecutive losses during their U.S. tour.

However, a recent 3-2 triumph over Athletic Club at Walsall's Bescot Stadium has rejuvenated their spirits. Goals from Cameron Archer, Jaden Philogene, and Jacob Ramsey have provided a much-needed confidence boost as they gear up for the challenges of the Premier League and Champions League.

Villa's transfer activity has been bustling, with new additions Ian Maatsen and Amadou Onana joining the squad. Emery is expected to field a robust lineup against Dortmund, featuring key players such as Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins, who are back from international duty. Despite the absence of injured players Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings, Villa's revamped squad is determined to wrap up their pre-season on a high note.

Borussia Dortmund, now under the guidance of former midfielder Nuri Sahin, have faced their own set of challenges in pre-season preparations. Their solitary victory came in a narrow 3-2 win against Cerezo Osaka, while a surprising 4-0 defeat to Pathum United highlighted areas needing improvement. As Dortmund adjusts to Sahin's leadership, they aim to build momentum before their Bundesliga opener against Eintracht Frankfurt.

The squad has seen several changes, with Sebastien Haller expected to lead the attack in the absence of Serhou Guirassy. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens may step into the limelight following Jadon Sancho's departure, while Gio Reyna returns from his loan spell. New signings Pascal Gross, Waldemar Anton, and Yan Couto are poised to make their impact, adding depth and experience to the team.

The predicted lineups for the match reflect the current strategies and player availability of both teams.

Borussia Dortmund's probable starting eleven includes: Kobel, Couto, Schlotterbeck, Anton, Bensebaini, Gross, Sabitzer, Adeyemi, Reyna, Bynoe-Gittens, and Haller.

Aston Villa's lineup is likely to feature: Gauci, Cash, Bogarde, Torres, Maatsen, Onana, Tielemans, Bailey, McGinn, Ramsey, and Archer.

This match not only tests tactical setups but also showcases new signings and returning stars. For Aston Villa, the return of Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins provides a significant boost. Dortmund fans will be eager to see how their new-look midfield and attack perform under Sahin's guidance.

With both sides eager to end their pre-season on a high note, the match is poised to be a captivating contest.

A Tense Match, But Dortmund Emerges Victorious

Aston Villa's pre-season campaign concluded with a 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in a friendly match at Signal Iduna Park. The game, played on August 10th, saw both sides field strong lineups despite the absence of key players.

The first half was a tense affair with both sides battling for possession and creating limited chances. It was Dortmund who ultimately found the breakthrough when Emre Can converted a penalty in the 33rd minute after Ezri Konsa fouled Karim Adeyemi in the penalty area. Just two minutes later, Dortmund doubled their lead through Julian Brandt, who capitalized on a moment of uncertainty in the Villa defense to poke the ball past Emiliano Martinez.

Despite their efforts, Villa failed to find a way back into the game, with Jacob Ramsey and John McGinn having golden chances to score in the first half. The second half saw a more subdued performance from Villa, as both sides made multiple substitutions. The game ended 2-0 in favor of Dortmund.

Looking Ahead: Premier League and Bundesliga Openers

Aston Villa's Premier League opener will be against West Ham on August 17th at the London Stadium. They will be looking to carry the momentum from their final pre-season win into their first competitive fixture.

Borussia Dortmund's first game in the Bundesliga is against Eintracht Frankfurt on August 24th at the Signal Iduna Park. The German side will be looking to build on their pre-season success and make a strong start to their domestic campaign.

What to Watch For: Key Players and New Signings

This friendly match showcased a number of key players and new signings for both sides. For Aston Villa, the return of Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins from international duty provided a boost to the team's squad.

Dortmund fans will be eager to see how their new midfield and attack perform under the guidance of Nuri Sahin. New additions like Pascal Gross, Waldemar Anton, and Yan Couto are poised to make their mark and contribute to the team's success.

Overall, this pre-season friendly provided valuable insight into the preparations of both teams. The game provided both teams with a chance to assess their players and formations, while also showcasing the potential of new signings. It is clear that both Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund will be ready for the challenges that lie ahead in their respective leagues.

Conclusion: A Final Test for Both Teams

This friendly match was a fitting end to the pre-season for both Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund. Both sides were able to test themselves against a formidable opponent. The result of the game is of course secondary, but it was a valuable opportunity to see how the teams have progressed in their preparations. The performances of both sides will surely give their fans something to be excited about as the new season approaches.

This is a testament to the quality of both teams and a sign of things to come for the new season. With both sides boasting strong squads and experienced managers, it is clear that Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund will be forces to be reckoned with in their respective leagues.