Erzgebirge Aue Gear Up for Friendly Clash Against Borussia Dortmund (Team News, Lineups, and Predictions)
Third-tier Erzgebirge Aue will face a stern test on Wednesday evening when they host Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly at the Sparkassen-Erzgebirgsstadion. While the result may not be the ultimate priority for either side, the match provides a valuable opportunity for both teams to assess their fitness and tactical approaches ahead of the upcoming season.
Erzgebirge Aue Look to Build Momentum
Following relegation from the 2. Bundesliga last season, Erzgebirge Aue is aiming for an immediate return to the second tier. Manager Timo Rost has been busy shaping his squad this summer, bringing in new recruits like striker Ricky Bornschein. The friendly against Dortmund offers a chance to test their mettle against top-flight opposition and fine-tune their tactics before their 3. Liga campaign kicks off.
Aue Team News
Aue will be without the services of Can Ozkan and Omar Sijaric due to injury. However, the return of experienced midfielder Dimitrij Nazarov from suspension is a boost for the team. New signing Ricky Bornschein is expected to feature upfront, looking to impress in his first outing for the club.
Possible Erzgebirge Aue Lineup (3-4-3):
- GK: Martin Männel
- DEF: Maurice Heindorf, Sören Gonther, Lukas Krüger
- MF: Erik Opoku, Antonio Jonjic, Dimitrij Nazarov, Phil Starke
- FW: Nicolas Wähling, Pascal Testroet, Ricky Bornschein
Borussia Dortmund Look to Integrate Youngsters
Borussia Dortmund, under the guidance of new manager Felix Nmecha, are in the midst of their pre-season preparations. With many senior players still on vacation, Nmecha is expected to field a youthful squad against Aue. This provides a valuable opportunity for young players like midfielder Sezer Toy and forward Almugera Kabar to showcase their talents and stake their claim for a place in the first team.
Dortmund Team News
Several first-team stars, including Marco Reus, Jude Bellingham, and Erling Haaland, are absent due to their extended post-season break. Additionally, key players like Mats Hummels and Mahmoud Dahoud are recovering from minor injuries. This opens the door for academy graduates and fringe players to impress the new manager.
Possible Borussia Dortmund Lineup (4-3-3):
- GK: Luca Unbehaun
- DEF: Nico Schulz, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Soumaila Coulibaly, Felix Passlack
- MF: Julian Brandt, Emre Can, Youssoufa Moukoko
- FW: Sezer Toy, Felix Nmecha (Manager), Almugera Kabar
Prediction
Erzgebirge Aue will be highly motivated to showcase their abilities against top-flight opposition. However, Borussia Dortmund’s superior quality, even with a youthful team, is expected to shine through.
Score Prediction: Erzgebirge Aue 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
Key Players to Watch
- Erzgebirge Aue: Dimitrij Nazarov (Midfielder) – Returning from suspension, Nazarov’s experience and leadership will be crucial for Aue.
- Borussia Dortmund: Sezer Toy (Midfielder) – Toy has impressed in pre-season and will be looking to continue his good form against Aue.
Looking Ahead
This friendly serves as a stepping stone for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season. Erzgebirge Aue will be hoping for a positive performance that can boost their confidence ahead of their 3. Liga campaign. Borussia Dortmund will use the match to integrate young players and refine their tactics under their new manager.
