Borussia M'gladbach vs Aston Villa 15 August 2026 Prediction

Unai Emery has now lost four UEFA Super Cup matches during his career. Aston Villa has little time to dwell on the latest defeat, however, with the new season only days away. Their final preseason test comes in Monchengladbach against Borussia.

Borussia Monchengladbach Is Perfect in Preseason

Borussia's recent results have been excellent: five wins from five matches with a combined score of 23-3. The level of opposition needs to be considered, however. Most of those goals came against lower-division teams such as Wuppertal (6-0) and Velbert (8-0). The only serious test was against Hoffenheim, and Monchengladbach won that game convincingly, 4-1. The schedule has been favorable, but the hosts still enter this matchup with plenty of momentum.

Borussia has been efficient in the transfer market this summer. Selling academy product Rocco Reitz to Leipzig for €20 million gave the club room to strengthen the squad without overspending. Striker Isac Lidberg, defender David Herold, and free agent Yefim Konoplya cost only €7 million combined. Even after adding several other young players, Borussia's total summer spending stands at €12.5 million. The club has refreshed the squad while still generating a significant transfer profit.

Monchengladbach will be missing several players for this match. Jens Castrop is out long term after undergoing shoulder surgery. The team's depth in wide areas has also been affected by a knee injury to new signing Yefim Konoplya, who has yet to make his debut. Defender Fabio Chiarodia and striker Tomas Cvancara are also unavailable. Those absences reduce the coaching staff's options for rotation and tactical changes during the game.

Aston Villa Has Struggled Against Strong Opposition

Aston Villa's preseason results show a clear pattern: the team has lost every time it has faced strong opposition. The Birmingham side was beaten by Porto (2-1), Real Sociedad (4-2), and Bayern (2-1). Villa also lost 2-1 to PSG in the UEFA Super Cup. Emery's team performed well in that match and arguably deserved more, finishing ahead 15-12 in shots and 2.13 to 1.04 in expected goals. Still, every major test this summer has ended in defeat.

Aston Villa's summer transfer activity has also weakened the squad on paper. The departures of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Doniell Malen have reduced the team's creativity, while Lucas Digne's transfer has left a gap at left back. Young additions Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes have yet to prove they can fully replace the players who left. Villa still has an important advantage on the sideline, with Unai Emery's tactical flexibility remaining one of the team's main strengths.

Following a demanding UEFA Super Cup match, Emery will also have to work with a reduced squad. World Cup participants Emiliano Martinez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins are still on extended leave and will miss the trip to Germany. Leon Bailey, Johan Manzambi, and Amadou Onana are also unavailable because of injuries.

Borussia Monchengladbach vs Aston Villa Predicted Lineup

Borussia Monchengladbach (3-4-2-1): Nicolas; Diks, Elvedi, Ullrich; Honorat, Sander, Neuhaus, Scally; Mojia, Hack; Kleindienst

Unavailable: Castrop, Konoplya, Chiarodia, Cvancara (all injured)

Manager: Eugen Polanski

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Nedeljkovic, Mings, Torres, Maatsen; Bogarde, Kamara; Alisson, Barkley, Garnacho; Majo

Unavailable: Bailey, Onana, Manzambi (all injured); Martinez, Konsa, Watkins (not included in the squad)

Manager: Unai Emery

Borussia Monchengladbach vs Aston Villa Prediction: Borussia Monchengladbach Double Chance (X1)

Main prediction: Aston Villa enters this match in a difficult spot after a demanding UEFA Super Cup game against PSG only a few days earlier. Rotation is likely, while several important players remain unavailable following their post-World Cup break. Villa has also lost every serious preseason test this summer. Borussia, meanwhile, will play at home in its final major warm-up before the competitive season. Monchengladbach has won all five of its preseason matches and should be highly motivated to maintain that run. Our pick is Borussia Monchengladbach Double Chance (X1) at odds of 1.61.

Totals prediction: Both teams have been involved in open, high-scoring games during preseason. At least four goals were scored in four of Borussia's five friendlies and in four of Aston Villa's seven. Monchengladbach has been very productive going forward but has still shown some defensive weaknesses. Villa, meanwhile, has conceded in six consecutive matches and allowed at least two goals in four of them. Another open game looks likely. Our pick is over 3.5 goals at odds of 1.95.