Dornbirn vs Lochau - Regionalliga - West

The history between Dornbirn and Lochau lends this Regionalliga - West fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on August 21, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

There is little to choose between Dornbirn and Lochau on paper, and the Regionalliga - West encounter should reflect that balance. Dornbirn are operating at a remarkable level, their DWWWW run and a season win rate of 71.43% placing them among the Regionalliga - West's very best. The visitors have been a mixed bag on the road, WLLLW in their last five and a win rate of 28.57% reflecting their unpredictability. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. In his latest column, Paul Merson predicts the 2026/27 Premier League season at both ends of the table.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Dornbirn favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Lochau are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. There is interest in adding another forward player who can play in one of those wide No 10 roles behind the striker in the 3-4-2-1 formation that Sage is expected to continue with at Selhurst Park.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Swansea moved to the top of the Sky Bet Championship after Stephen Eustaquio's first goal for the club earned a 2-1 victory at Lincoln at the ProAmpac Stadium.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 3-3 draw feels like a fitting result. With positions in the Regionalliga - West table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".