Aston Villa have survived a financial breakdown in the aftermath of the playoff final heartbreak against Fulham at Wembley and are once again striving to secure a Premier League return under veteran Steve Bruce. They, however, failed to beat ten-man Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon and had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Portman Road following two consecutive victories in the league but will be determined to bounce back to winning ways against Brentford at Villa Park on Wednesday night.
The Bees boss Dean Smith has led his side to two wins and a draw from their three opening league encounters and are high on confidence at this moment. The tie, therefore, is expected to be an engaging one with Villa considered to have the edge due to more experienced individuals as well as their home advantage but still need to uplift their game to claim all three points from such a tricky contest.
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Bruce does not have any significant injury concerns except striker Scott Hogan who is still recovering from a groin strain. Keinan Davis and Harry McKirdy, the academy duo, is also likely to miss out with their minor strains. The gaffer is set to have a fully fit starting XI otherwise with decent squad options who have been rotated time and again in these opening fixtures.
Predicted Aston Villa Lineup Vs Brentford (4-4-1-1)
Defence
André Moreira, the Atletico Madrid loanee, should be tried out between the sticks after back to back unimpressive outings from Ørjan Nyland, the Norwegian custodian, whose howler allowed Ipswich to find an equalizer. Mile Jedinak and James Chester are gradually forming a towering central-defensive partnership and must continue as first-choice options despite an impressive show from Tommy Elphick against Hull City in the season opener.
Veteran Alan Hutton has been shifted to a left-back role from his preferred right fullback slot to make a way for Manchester United prodigy Axel Tuanzebe who is featuring regularly since his loan switch. They have an option in Neil Taylor to feature down the left, but an unaltered ‘back four’ is expected versus Brentford at Villa Park.
Midfield
Ahmed Elmohamady, the veteran Egyptian is featuring in a right midfield role and is likely to retain his place. Scotsman John McGinn has made an immediate impact following a summer switch from Hibernian and should be handed consecutive starts in the middle of the park. Conor Hourihane, however, must be recalled in action from the beginning in place of Birkir Bjarnason. Academy ace Andre Green who has taken significant strides in recent years should replace Albert Adomah down the left who was largely disappointing against Ipswich Town.
Attack
Jack Grealish, one of the brightest prospects of English football, has been deployed in an advanced role to operate behind Jonathan Kodjia and the youngster has been a massive influence so far. Kodjia, who inked his name on the scoresheet against the Tractor Boys, will look to gather momentum following a slow inception and start finding the back of the net.
