Aston Villa is poised to recover from a recent Premier League loss as they anticipate hosting Brentford at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon. Having secured a 2-1 triumph in the previous encounter four months ago, Aston Villa stands the chance to achieve their initial league double over Brentford in 77 years should they attain a victory on their home turf.
Match preview
Aston Villa encountered their inaugural Premier League away defeat of 2024 during a match against title contenders Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Initially, the Villains managed to hold their ground for a significant portion of the first half. Despite Jhon Duran securing his sixth goal of the season to equalize an early Rodri opener, they entered halftime trailing 2-1. This deficit arose from a disorganized defensive wall, which created a substantial gap enabling Phil Foden to execute a free kick into the bottom corner. Nicolo Zaniolo bore primary responsibility for this defensive lapse by turning his back.
While Unai Emery’s squad posed a threat on the counter-attack, Foden completed a hat-trick with two remarkable strikes within seven minutes of the second half. This outcome condemned a weakened Villa side to their eighth league defeat of the season.
Previously regarded as dark horse contenders for the Premier League title, Villa’s current focus lies in solidifying their position in the top four, a feat they have not achieved since 1995-96. However, this objective currently rests beyond their control, as Tottenham Hotspur, trailing by just two points in fifth place, could surpass the Villains should they win their postponed fixture.
Securing fifth place may still secure Champions League qualification; nevertheless, uncertainties surrounding UEFA’s coefficient rankings necessitate Villa’s continued diligence. They are eager to conclude the season strongly, commencing with a victory on Saturday against Brentford. Villa has emerged victorious in two of their last three league encounters with Brentford, notably securing a 4-0 win in their previous head-to-head at Villa Park in October 2022.
Brentford, having salvaged a point in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United the previous weekend, subsequently settled for a goalless draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday night, extending their winless streak to eight matches.
Despite Brighton’s dominance in possession and attempts on goal, Brentford created superior opportunities on their home turf. Yet, they lacked a clinical edge in the final third. Referee Andy Madley’s decision to overturn VAR’s penalty call in favor of Brighton, when Yoane Wissa allegedly fouled Lewis Dunk in the box, was pivotal for Brentford’s outcome.
Thomas Frank’s side achieved an impressive ninth-place finish and accumulated 59 points in the Premier League last season. However, they currently languish in 14th position with only 28 points this season, six points clear of the relegation zone, with seven games remaining.
With four forthcoming fixtures away from home, Brentford faces significant challenges, given their longstanding struggles on the road. They have lost nine of their last ten top-flight away matches, with the exception being a 2-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers in February, their most recent visit to the West Midlands.
To avert the prospect of being embroiled in a relegation battle, Brentford must rectify their away form. However, securing success against Aston Villa on Saturday presents a formidable task, as Brentford has never won a league fixture away at Villa, managing only five draws and suffering three defeats in their previous eight encounters.
Team News
Aston Villa continues to grapple with the absence of several key players due to various injuries. Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara, Emiliano Buendia, Matty Cash, and Jacob Ramsey are all sidelined as they undergo recovery from knee, thigh, and ankle ailments. Additionally, Emiliano Martinez’s recent withdrawal from the starting lineup due to illness has prompted uncertainty about his availability for the upcoming match. Despite these setbacks, manager Emery remains optimistic about Martinez’s potential return and will monitor Ollie Watkins’ hamstring injury closely.
On a positive note, John McGinn is set to make his return to midfield following a three-match suspension. Furthermore, Pau Torres, Alex Moreno, Youri Tielemans, and Leon Bailey are eager to secure starting positions after featuring as substitutes in the previous match against Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Brentford faces similar challenges with several players sidelined due to injury. Josh Dasilva, Rico Henry, Ben Mee, Aaron Hickey, and Kevin Schade are all unavailable as they recover from knee, ankle, thigh, and groin injuries. Christian Norgaard and Ethan Pinnock’s participation will depend on assessments of their back and ankle issues before kickoff.
Although Mathias Jorgensen, Kristoffer Ajer, and Nathan Collins are expected to continue in central defense for Brentford, Sergio Reguilon may replace Keane Lewis-Potter at left wing-back.
Manager Frank is considering starting Bryan Mbeumo alongside Ivan Toney in attack, following Mbeumo’s return from injury and promising performances as a substitute. Toney, despite a recent goal drought spanning seven games, remains hopeful of rediscovering his scoring form.
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Moreno; Bailey, Luiz, Tielemans, McGinn; Diaby, Duran
Brentford possible starting lineup:
Flekken; Zanka, Collins, Ajer; Roerslev, Onyeka, Jensen, Janelt, Reguilon; Mbeumo, Toney