Aston Villa: 3 items to watch during the Cup of Traditions
By Phil Newman
Aston Villa take part in a pre-season tournament of sorts on Sunday. The claret and blue enter alongside MSV Duisburg, Malaga, and Hertha Berlin in the Cup of Traditions. Two days later on Tuesday, the club faces Arminia Bielefield, before a return trip to the U.K.
Sunday at noon, Aston Villa faces German-side MSV Duisburg, the annual tournament hosts. In Duisberg, Villa face a 45-minute test against the second division German club.
Should Aston Villa advance, they will face the winner of the other 45-minute battle between Hertha Berlin and Malaga. The losing sides play each other in a third-place match in the English dubbed, “Cup of Traditions.”
Villa stay in Germany after Sunday as they will face Arminia Bielefield on Tuesday. This was the replacement match for the cancelled fixture against Vitesse Arnhem.
Below we highlight three things to watch during Sunday’s friendlies:
1. THE FORMATION!
No doubt this is the first item to watch under manager Steve Bruce. We’re all wondering it: Is it going to be a 3-5-2 featuring the top three center backs? Will it be a four-back system with marauding wingers?
Time will tell and who knows, maybe Bruce doesn’t elect to use his favored system in this tournament.
2. Incorporating the new signings
Glenn Whelan and Ahmed Elmohamady have both traveled with Aston Villa to Germany. Last week’s signings are tipped to do big things this season at their respective positions.
Whelan, in particular, moved ahead of Aaron Tshibola and Gary Gardner on the depth chart. Both failed to make the trip to Germany, and both are likely looking at exits this summer.
Elmohamady could feature anywhere from right back to right wing – here’s to hoping it’s farther up the pitch.
3. The Academy graduates making the trip
In total three Aston Villa youngsters made the journey to Duisburg. At least, the ones who have yet to make a senior first team appearance. Jake Doyle-Hayes, Harry McKirdy, and Callum O’Hare are looking to catch Steve Bruce’s eye.
One thing we and SB made the agreement is to trim the squad to 19-20 and pick 5-6 youngsters to train with the 1st squad this season. https://t.co/D41oy9ywjH
— Dr. Tony Xia (@Dr_TonyXia) July 21, 2017
Dr. Tony Xia and Steve Bruce are making it a point to incorporate young players in training this season. With a leaner squad, places in the eighteen could open up during the season. However, in order to get there, a significant number of “outs” needs to occur.
Stay with us for updates on Sunday!