Aston Villa will be looking to end their abysmal run of form when they host Brentford in the Premier League.
Villa fans have only experienced highs under Unai Emery but now they’re being truly tested after watching their side fail to win in eight matches.
Most recently, Aston Villa were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, as Micah Richards criticised Ollie Watkins for missing two golden chances to reduce the deficit.
Now, Emery’s men must put poor performance behind them on Wednesday night by responding in front of an expectant Villa Park crowd.
Paul Merson has a feeling Villa will beat Brentford and end their winless run, with the manager now providing an injury update on one of his key stars.
Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa makes a save during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Aston Villa FC at Stamford Bridge on December ...
Photo by Aston Villa/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Aston Villa team news ahead of Brentford
The big talking point ahead of the clash has been the fitness of Emi Martinez.
Martinez suffered an injury to his hand in the loss to Chelsea, forcing him off at half-time with Robin Olsen replacing him.
An injury expert even suggested Martinez could be out for two to four weeks with a hand fracture, although Emery has now delivered a positive update on the Argentine.
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It was revealed that Martinez is back in training ahead of the Brentford game, with the manager undecided on his selection tomorrow.
The other two absentees from Sunday’s defeat, Amadou Onana and Jacob Ramsey, are fighting to be fit for Wednesday’s clash.
Emery refused to rule out Onana’s return before Chelsea, and he could have a chance of featuring this week, while Ramsey hasn’t played since being forced off against Liverpool last month.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Brentford
Question marks surrounding the fitness of Martinez may suggest Olsen starts between the sticks against Brentford, although it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the World Cup winner make a miraculous recovery.
Despite conceding twice at the weekend, Emery should stick with three of the four that started in that defeat with Lucas Digne dropping out for Ian Maatsen and Matty Cash keeping his place alongside Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres.
As for the midfield, Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara were often bullied at Stamford Bridge, but in a home clash against inferior opposition, expect the duo to have more joy, particularly in possession.
Jaden Philogene was poor against Chelsea and he should drop out for Leon Bailey on the right, leaving Morgan Rogers in a central position and John McGinn on the left.
Rogers has been out of form himself in recent weeks however, the 22-year-old doesn’t have much quality competition.
There have been talks of Ollie Watkins being dropped for Jhon Duran, although despite Watkins missing two golden chances last time out, it’s hard to see him not starting against his former club.
Predicted Aston Villa lineup vs Brentford: Olsen; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Tielemans, Kamara; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins.
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