Borussia Dortmund and Ajax conclude their pre-seasons with a friendly match at Signal Iduna Park on Sunday.
Key Takeaways
- Dortmund have had an excellent pre-season so far and have won five out of their six friendlies
- Ajax are hoping to bounce back after a disappointing year last season but have not had the best of pre-seasons
- BVB will have to adapt to life without Jude Bellingham after his departure this summer
Dortmund narrowly missed out on the Bundesliga title last season on goal difference after they dropped points on the final day of the season. It was a disappointing campaign for Ajax as they finished in third last season in Eredivisie.
Borussia Dortmund Form
BVB looked good to go on and win their first Bundesliga title since 2012 last season as they lost just one of their final 19 games. However, a 2-2 draw against Mainz on the final day allowed Bayern Munich to secure their 11th straight title.
Edin Terzic’s side have had a very successful pre-season so far and are undefeated through their six friendly matches, winning five in the process. That includes a 3-2 victory over Manchester United to end July, whilst they drew 1-1 with Chelsea in their most recent friendly.
Ajax Form
Ajax were not able to make it three Eredivisie titles in a row last season as Feyenoord were crowned champions. The Sons of God finished in third place last term, also finishing behind PSV Eindhoven as they struggled to adapt to life without Erik Ten Hag.
It has been a mixed pre-season for Ajax since they have won just two of their five friendly matches. That saw them win 3-0 over Shakhtar Donetsk and 5-3 over Unterhaching. Ajax lost their most recent friendly as they suffered a 3-1 defeat against German outfit Augsburg.
Head-to-Head
Dortmund and Ajax last met in Champions League group stage action back in 2021 as the latter recorded a 3-1 victory in North Rhine-Westphalia. Ajax also won 4-0 in the reverse fixture in Amsterdam. Dortmund last defeated Ajax in the Champions League back in 2012 as they ran out 4-1 victors.
Team News
The prominent departure from BVB this summer has been Jude Bellingham after he joined Real Madrid. He will be a big loss to the Dortmund midfield. They have also lost regular defender Raphael Guerreiro to rivals Bayern Munich over the summer. New signings Felix Nmecha and Marcel Sabitzer will be looking to make an impact.
Both Thomas Meunier and Giovanni Reyna are set to miss the start of the new season due to respective thigh and foot injuries. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel is also a doubt after missing the Chelsea game due to a muscle injury.
Full-back Mateu Morey is dealing with an injury setback as well, whilst Nico Schlotterbeck is working on his return. Youngster Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is still recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered towards the end of last term.
Veteran goalkeeper Remko Pasveer has been injured for the last few friendlies for Ajax so is a doubt here. Edson Alvarez and Jorge Sanchez have not featured in pre-season after playing for Mexico in the Gold Cup this summer so they are questionable for this one.
Steven Berghuis has missed the last four friendly matches, whilst young midfielders Max De Waal and Kian Fitz-Jim are both doubts too. Mohammed Kudus has missed the last two squads as his future is yet to be decided.
Key Players
Veteran defender Mats Hummels remains the stalwart at the back for BVB and he will continue to be a key player this season. Going forward, Karim Adeyemi will be looking to build on his 11 goal contributions in the Bundesliga last season.
Young forward Brian Brobbey led the goalscoring charts in Eredivisie for Ajax last term with 13 goals to his name. He also scored against Augsburg in their most recent friendly match so will be looking to continue with that momentum here.
How to watch on TV or Online
This match will not be available to view on TV or online for those in the UK.
Final Thoughts
Dortmund currently look in better shape and they will be favoured to go unbeaten across their pre-season preparations. Ajax will be looking to get back to winning ways after their defeat last time out. Either way, we should see plenty of goals in what will likely be an entertaining affair.
Club Friendly Games
Bundesliga
Eredivisie