Aston Villa predicted XI vs Borussia Monchengladbach: Tyrone Mings in as senior player axed

Aston Villa end their pre-season campaign against Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.

Unai Emery's side have really been put to the test this summer ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Out of the five friendlies they've played, Villa have lost three of them, but those defeats have all been against top European sides.

Borussia Monchengladbach will be the Villains' second German opposition of pre-season, having previously lost 2-1 to Bayern Munich earlier this month.

Eugen Polanksi's side finished 12 in the Bundesliga last season, but have won all seven of their pre-season matches this summer.

So, ahead of Saturday's 2:30pm kick-off at Borussia-Park, Villa News attempts to predict how Emery will line his side up for their final pre-season friendly.

Marco Bizot dropped for Aston Villa vs Borussia Monchengladbach

Villa are still reeling from their narrow 2-1 defeat in the UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.

Emery put out a starting XI that blended youth and experience for that one, and we expect him to do the same against Gladbach.

In goal, Marco Bizot didn't have a great night against PSG, committing an error leading to a goal and completing just 73 per cent of his passes, per FotMob, meaning he could be axed by Emery.

Saturday feels like a natural chance to give youngster James Wright one final chance to stake his backup claim, with the 21-year-old having featured against Real Sociedad and Porto.

At right-back, Matty Cash is likely to retain his place in the team, whilst Ian Maatsen was one of Villa's best on Wednesday, and should keep his spot at left-back.

The Dutchman completed five dribbles, created two chances, made five recoveries, four tackles, committed zero fouls and won 11 ground duels.

Pau Torres didn't enjoy his best night against PSG either, but he's not been overly extended minutes-wise in pre-season and should be good to go again this weekend.

Meanwhile, Victor Lindelof has now collected successive 90-minute displays and could be due a rest, offering Tyrone Mings the chance to make his first start since Real Sociedad.

So, with two changes in defence, will Emery make further alterations to his midfield for the trip to Germany?

Emery to make one midfield change vs Gladbach

The Super Cup clash with PSG saw Boubacar Kamara continue to increase his workload after his long-awaited return from injury.

Emery is bound to see him as a key starting player once again next season, and is surely going to want to keep building the Frenchman's fitness up before Brighton.

However, new signing Joao Gomes had a rough night against PSG, picking up a yellow card before being replaced late on.

Gomes also created zero chances, completed just 67 per cent of his passes, was dispossessed twice and won just three of his nine ground duels.

The Brazilian has featured heavily in pre-season, so off the back of that performance, perhaps he could do with a slight rest ahead of the new campaign.

As a result, this could provide Lamare Bogarde with a rare starting opportunity, as Emery may have to make a transfer call on the Dutchman before the deadline.

On the right, John McGinn was excellent against PSG and we see no reason for him not to be in Saturday's starting lineup.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old George Hemmings was also very impressive in that game too, and deserves to retain his spot down the left.

In the number 10 role, Emi Buendia is likely to fend off Ross Barkley and keep his place in the team as well.

That just leaves the striker to sort out, and Emery has a fascinating decision to make there.

Is Madjo becoming undroppable for Aston Villa already?

Arguably the star of Aston Villa's pre-season campaign this summer, Brian Madjo is some talent.

The 17-year-old is now ready to make his mark in the Premier League from the get-go, after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld Villa's registration appeal.

He took his goal against PSG like a veteran goalscorer, whilst he also took the most shots in the game (six), created two chances and missed three big chances too.

With Ollie Watkins - along with Ezri Konsa and Emi Martinez - already confirmed by Emery as not featuring against Gladbach, Tammy Abraham is his only real selection rival at present.

The 28-year-old Abraham has only played twice in pre-season, and doesn't appear to feature heavily in Emery's plans, so we don't see any cause for Madjo to be dropped on Saturday.

And, should the teenage sensation continue in his current vein of form, even the aforementioned Watkins may struggle to wrestle back his starting job from him.

He certainly feels undroppable right now.