Aston Villa are back in the Premier League action on Sunday when they travel to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford.
Unai Emery’s men progressed to the knockout rounds of the Europa Conference League following a 1-1 draw away to Zrinjski Mostar in midweek. The result against Zrinjski Mostar ensured they won their Conference League group.
Just three days on from a phenomenal 1-0 success over Manchester City, the Villans got the job done against Arsenal by the same scoreline to make it 15 home league wins on a trot. And they will be seeking to make it three league wins on the bounce when they face Brentford, who come into this game off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United.
Aston Villa Team News
Douglas Luiz and Lucas Digne will sit out Sunday’s contest after both were cautioned for the fifth time in this season’s Premier League last time out.
There has been no change to Aston Villa’s injury situation, as Bertrand Traore (muscle), Emiliano Buendia (knee) and Tyrone Mings (knee) are all set to miss out again, but Leon Bailey and Tielemans should feature despite missing the draw with Zrinjski Mostar.
Predicted Aston Villa lineup vs Brentford (4-4-1-1)
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez will return in goal after being on the substitutes’ bench in midweek. The Argentinean should be eyeing a third clean sheet in a row in the Premier League, having expertly shut down Man City and Arsenal respectively.
Defence
The fit-again Alex Moreno will be a straight swap for the suspended Lucas Digne at left-back, while Matty Cash could get the nod over Ezri Konsa at right-back. The two full-backs will be looking to stretch the opposition with their energy and creative flair, whilst offering support to the centre-backs when required.
Diego Carlos and Pau Torres have shown signs of forming a strong understanding in central defence, and the duo are expected to start against Brentford.
Midfield
Youri Tielemans could revert to a deeper role to replace the suspended Douglas Luiz. If that is the case, the Belgian would then partner Boubacar Kamara in the middle of the park.
Leon Bailey and John McGinn would occupy the wide roles. The duo are showing much more willingness to take shots and provide an extra goal threat, thriving off the confidence that has come from scoring winners against Man City and Arsenal.
Jacob Ramsey and Nicolo Zaniolo could be involved in the second half of the game.
Attack
Aston Villa’s top scorer, Ollie Watkins should return to the starting XI after being an unused substitute in midweek. He will lead the attack, with Moussa Diaby operating as a secondary striker. The duo will look to combine well in the final third and hurt Brentford with their pace, movement and flair.
