Preview: Aston Villa vs Bologna – Predicted Lineups
It's that time again, folks! The beautiful game is back in action, and this time, we've got a juicy pre-season clash between Aston Villa and Bologna. These two teams are gearing up for the upcoming season, and this friendly match is a chance to test out new tactics and see how the players are shaping up. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty with a look at the predicted lineups and what we can expect from the match.
Aston Villa: Ready to Roar?
Villa are coming off a solid season in the Premier League, finishing a respectable seventh. They've been busy in the transfer window, bringing in some new faces to bolster their squad. Expect to see a mix of familiar faces and new additions in the starting XI.
Predicted Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez – The rock of the Villa backline, he’s a sure starter.
- Defenders: Matty Cash, Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, Lucas Digne – A strong back four, ready to keep Bologna at bay.
- Midfielders: Douglas Luiz, John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara – This trio brings power and creativity in the middle of the park.
- Attackers: Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Buendia – A dangerous attacking trio with pace and flair.
Bologna: A Test for the Serie A Contenders
Bologna had a good season in Serie A last year, finishing eighth. They've been making some moves to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season and will be looking to cause an upset against Villa.
Predicted Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Lukasz Skorupski – A reliable presence between the sticks.
- Defenders: Stefan Posch, Adama Soumaoro, Jhon Lucumi, Aaron Hickey – A solid defensive unit with experience and youth.
- Midfielders: Nicolas Dominguez, Lewis Ferguson, Riccardo Orsolini – These midfielders will be looking to dictate the tempo and control the game.
- Attackers: Marko Arnautovic, Musa Barrow – A potent attacking duo with experience and goalscoring ability.
What to Expect:
This match should be a tight affair, with both teams keen to impress and get off to a good start in pre-season. Villa will be looking to dominate possession and create chances, while Bologna will likely try to play on the counter-attack. It’s going to be a fascinating battle of styles.
Key Players to Watch:
- Emiliano Buendia (Aston Villa): The creative spark in Villa's attack.
- Marko Arnautovic (Bologna): A proven goalscorer who can change the game in an instant.
Prediction:
It's hard to call this one. It could go either way. We're predicting a close match, with a possible draw.
This is just a preview of the match, and the actual lineups might differ. But one thing is for sure: this is a pre-season game you don't want to miss!