Aston Villa will play the second game of their pre-season tour in America, as they will travel to the Red Bull Arena to take on fellow Champions League side RB Leipzig. Unai Emery will expect a much-improved performance after the 4-1 defeat to Columbus Crew last weekend.
Young striker Cameron Archer will be hoping he can keep up his fine goalscoring form so far this summer, with two impressive finishes in his last two, giving himself the best possible chance of spending this upcoming season at Villa Park.
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Team News
RB Leipzig
Aston Villa
The Villans will be hopeful to have more senior players feature as the start of the season edges closer with Emery’s side taking on West Ham on the 17th August. Captain John McGinn, Youri Tielemans and Jacob Ramsey are amongst many back in training.
After not playing vs Columbus, goalkeeper Robin Olsen is likely to get the nod, with Copa America winner Emiliano Martinez on holiday. England internationals Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa are still not available as they recover from their European Championship campaign with England.
This summer's two big money signings of Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen are set to feature, as Emery embeds them into his highly demanding system.
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Likely Lineups
RB Leipzig
Gulacsi; Simakan, Orban, Klostermann, Bitshiabu; Kampl, Seiwald, Nova, Elmas; Sesko, Silva
Aston Villa
Olsen; Cash, Carlos, Swinkles, Digne; Tielemans, Bogarde, McGinn; Ramsey, Phliogene, Dobbin
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Key Players
RB Leipzig: Benjamin Sesko
Heavily linked to the Premier League, at just 21, Benjamin Sesko is bound to cause Aston Villa some problems. The Slovenian international will be looking to better his 18 goals scored last season at club level.
Sesko's ability from a dead ball and long-distance shooting will be a concern for Villa, with Emery’s side having recurring issues from defending set pieces. Villa’s central defenders are sure to be in for a tough game.
Even though Sesko is predominantly a striker, his forward thinking and ability to drop deep to drive the ball forward will cause Villa to be wary of large spaces open.
Aston Villa: Jacob Ramsey
After a stop-start season, boyhood Aston Villa fan Jacob Ramsey will be hoping this season is his. Every time Ramsey made his return to the team last season, his foot injury would once again occur.
A big season ahead for him, Ramsey can play several positions in Emery's preferred system with his ability to drive the ball forward and break down a low block. A big miss for Villa last season but could be a star this term.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
RB Leipzig will take on Aston Villa at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey. The ground has a capacity of 25,000 and is home to MLS side New York Red Bulls.
What time is kick-off?
The match will kick off at 01:00am for viewers in the UK.
How can I watch?
Villans supporters will be able to watch the game via VillaTV.
