RB Leipzig vs Aston Villa Predictions

RB Leipzig vs Aston Villa for this pre-season friendly tie. Both preparing for Champions League campaigns, RB Leipzig and Aston Villa will face off at New Jersey’s Red Bull Arena in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday night. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips

Club Friendlies | Aug 1, 2024 at 3am UK at Red Bull Arena, Harrison

RB Leipzig vs Aston Villa Predictions

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Will Leipzig’s Firepower Overwhelm Villa’s Resilient Defence in New Jersey?

RB Leipzig and Aston Villa are set to clash at New Jersey’s Red Bull Arena in an intriguing pre-season friendly on Wednesday night. Both teams are gearing up for their respective Champions League campaigns after impressive seasons in the Bundesliga and Premier League, respectively. This match promises to be a fascinating encounter, with both sides looking to fine-tune their squads ahead of the new season.

Match Preview

RB Leipzig have solidified their place among the Bundesliga elite since their promotion in the 2015-16 season. Last term, they secured fourth place with 65 points, ensuring another Champions League berth. The team scored 77 goals in 34 matches, with Lois Openda emerging as their top scorer, netting 24 times and providing seven assists. Manager Marco Rose will be keen to build on this success and push for higher honours in the coming season.

Aston Villa, under the guidance of Unai Emery, had an outstanding 2023-24 Premier League campaign, finishing fourth and securing a Champions League spot for the first time in a decade. The Villans have been active in the transfer market, adding players like Amadou Onana to bolster their squad. Their pre-season has seen mixed results, including a recent 4-1 defeat to Columbus Crew, which highlighted areas needing improvement.

Team Analysis

RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig's attacking prowess was on full display last season, averaging 2.3 goals per game. Their offensive unit, led by Openda and supported by Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons, is capable of dismantling defences. The midfield, featuring Amadou Haidara and Christoph Baumgartner, provides creativity and stability. Defensively, they conceded 39 goals, showing a relatively solid backline. However, the absence of Baumgartner due to a knee injury could impact their midfield dynamics.

Aston Villa
Aston Villa's resurgence under Emery has been remarkable. They scored 76 goals in the Premier League, averaging 2 goals per game, with Ollie Watkins leading the charge. The midfield, orchestrated by Douglas Luiz and John McGinn, combines creativity with tenacity. Defensively, they conceded 61 goals, an area that requires tightening. The addition of Amadou Onana is expected to add steel to their midfield, while the return of Emiliano Buendia offers a creative spark.

Key Player Duels

The midfield battle between RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz could be decisive. Both players are pivotal in dictating play and breaking up opposition attacks. In attack, the duel between Leipzig’s Lois Openda and Villa’s Tyrone Mings will be crucial. Openda’s pace and finishing will test Mings’ defensive acumen and leadership at the back.

Expected Gameplay

RB Leipzig are likely to adopt an attacking approach, leveraging their quick transitions and fluid movement. Their ability to press high and exploit spaces could unsettle Aston Villa. Villa, on the other hand, might opt for a balanced strategy, focusing on maintaining possession and hitting Leipzig on the counter-attack. Emery’s side will need to be defensively disciplined to contain Leipzig’s dynamic forwards.

Tactical Insights

RB Leipzig
Leipzig’s game plan revolves around high pressing and rapid attacking transitions. Their front line is adept at exploiting spaces behind the defence, making them dangerous on the counter. Defensively, they will need to be vigilant against Villa’s creative midfielders and the physical presence of Archer in the box. Maintaining a compact defensive shape will be essential to thwart Villa’s attacking threats.

Aston Villa
Villa’s strategy will likely focus on controlling the midfield and utilising their wingers to stretch Leipzig’s defence. The interplay between Watkins, Buendia, and Bailey could pose significant challenges for Leipzig. Defensively, Villa must avoid leaving gaps for Leipzig’s quick attackers to exploit. Emery’s tactical acumen will be tested in ensuring his side remains compact and organised.

Predictions

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals
Given the attacking talents on display and the defensive vulnerabilities of both teams, an open and high-scoring match seems probable. RB Leipzig’s potent attack, combined with Aston Villa’s offensive capabilities, suggests that both teams are likely to find the net. Therefore, a bet on both teams to score and over 2.5 goals offers strong value.

Correct Score: RB Leipzig 3-2 Aston Villa
A high-scoring game is anticipated, with both teams possessing significant attacking threats. RB Leipzig’s home advantage and superior attacking depth could see them edge out Aston Villa. A 3-2 scoreline reflects the expected open nature of the match, with both defences likely to be breached multiple times.

Goalscorer Prediction: Lois Openda to Score
Lois Openda’s form last season, where he scored 24 goals, makes him a prime candidate to score in this fixture. His ability to find space and his clinical finishing make him a constant threat. Against a Villa defence that showed vulnerabilities against Columbus Crew, Openda’s chances of scoring are high.

Corner Prediction: Over 9.5 Corners
Both RB Leipzig and Aston Villa have players who can exploit set-piece opportunities. Leipzig averaged 5.9 corners per game last season, while Villa averaged 6.1. Given the attacking nature of both teams and the likelihood of frequent forays into the opposition's box, expecting over 9.5 corners in total is reasonable.

Innovative Market: Player Total Shots on Target – Benjamin Sesko Over 1.5
Benjamin Sesko’s ability to find shooting opportunities makes him a key player for Leipzig. With an average of 6.6 shots on target per game as a team, Sesko is likely to get several opportunities. Betting on him to have over 1.5 shots on target is supported by his role and Leipzig’s attacking style.

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