AVLAston VillaClub page
BVBDortmundClub page
Squad value€633.7m
Squad value€587.9m
Key playerNicolas Jackson
Key playerSehrou Guirassy
Head coachUnai Emery
Head coachNiko Kovac
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Live on DAZN or Prime Video · Germany
Live on RTÉ, Premier Sports or Virgin Media · Ireland
Live on Sky Sport or Prime Video · Italy
Live on Ziggo Sport · Netherlands
Live on Movistar Plus+ · Spain
Live on TNT Sports or Prime Video · UK
Live on Paramount+, TUDN or DAZN · USA
Villa go long far more than they used to: Tottenham prepared for a side playing 86% more long balls than last season.
“De Zerbi admitted Tottenham knew Villa were playing “86% more long balls than last season”, according to The Guardian’s post-match report.”Villa defend in two tight rows of players and close off the middle of the pitch. Opponents end up passing sideways in front of them for long spells.
“Arsenal had to be patient in possession, as Villa deployed a compact 4-4-2 structure that restricted central progression.”The danger comes the second they win the ball. Their new striker sprints in behind your defence, and Villa try to get the ball to him before you can get back.
“Villa also carried a threat on the counter-attack, primarily utilising the pace of new signing Nicolas Jackson in transition.”Kovač himself says Dortmund have to play much faster and more precisely than they have been.
“Wir müssen sehr viel schneller und genauer spielen.”We have to play much faster and more precisely. our translation
Dortmund's front three jump on your centre-backs the moment they get the ball.
“Pressing Asfissiante: I trequartisti e il centravanti escono immediatamente in pressione forte sui centrali avversari in fase di prima costruzione, cercando di sporcare le traiettorie e forzare l’errore.”Suffocating pressing: the attacking midfielders and the centre-forward immediately press the opposing centre-backs hard as they start the build-up, trying to disrupt their passing and force mistakes. our translation
Get past their first wave of pressure and there is a huge amount of grass behind their defence.
“Se la prima pressione a ridosso dell’area avversaria salta, o se la mediana commette un errore di posizionamento, la difesa del Dortmund si trova esposta a transizioni rapide in campo aperto su ben 40 metri di campo scoperto alle proprie spalle.”If the first press near the opponents' box is beaten, or the midfield is out of position, Dortmund's defence is exposed to fast breaks across a good 40 metres of open pitch behind it. our translation