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Predicting Unai Emery’s Aston Villa lineup to take on Brentford at home in the Premier League.
Aston Villa will be desperate to put an end to their eight-game winless streak as they play host to Brentford in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
The Villans suffered a devastating 3-0 defeat away at Chelsea last time out as they were completely outdone by the high press from Enzo Maresca’s energetic side. Supporters will be hoping for a much better display this midweek and Emery is determined to deliver just that.
It’s a good time to face Brentford as, although they have scored more goals than any other team in the Premier League this season, they also have the worst away record. The Bees have drawn once and lost five in their six outings on the road, really struggling when away from the Gtech Community Stadium.
Emery has one major selection dilemma this Wednesday as star goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is a major doubt with a hairline fracture in one of his fingers. The World Cup winner has trained since sustaining his injury and being substituted at Chelsea but it would be a risk to start him.
With that decision and several others in mind, here are the 11 players we predict Villa will name against Brentford.
Aston Villa predicted XI vs Brentford
GK - Robin Olsen
Olsen is the most likely replacement for Emi Martinez, who has suffered a hairline fracture to one of his fingers. Martinez could perhaps play, but it would be a big risk.
RB - Matty Cash
The Poland international is without doubt the first choice right-back and will start most games until January. It’ll then be interesting to see if Villa sign another option.
Aston Villa are targeting their first win in eight matches as they welcome Brentford on Wednesday night.Aston Villa are targeting their first win in eight matches as they welcome Brentford on Wednesday night.
Aston Villa are targeting their first win in eight matches as they welcome Brentford on Wednesday night. | AFP via Getty Images
CB - Ezri Konsa
Konsa, back last time out following a short-term injury, typically plays best at centre-back. He’s ahead of Tyrone Mings in the pecking order.
CB - Pau Torres
Pau hasn’t been as consistent as he and fans will have liked but he’s bound to put that right. The Spaniard is still at the top of the central defensive pile.
LB - Lucas Digne
The Frenchman remains the preferred left-back and he will probably continue to be despite Ian Maatsen’s occasional positive cameos off the bench.
RM - Leon Bailey
Bailey was benched at Stamford Bridge but his replacement, Jaden Philogene, put in a well below-par performance.
CM - Boubacar Kamara
Kamara struggled a little against Chelsea but he’s finally back up to fitness and will be raring to get back to his best.
CM - Youri Tielemans
The Belgium international has operated superbly in the double pivot so far this term, often a seven or eight out of 10 no matter the result.
LM - John McGinn
The skipper was arguably Villa’s best performer in the defeat at Chelsea and he deserves to start again, probably in the same role.
CAM - Morgan Rogers
Rogers has dropped out of form slightly over the past few matches but he should enjoy how much space Brentford are likely to leave open on transition.
ST - Ollie Watkins
Watkins hasn’t quite hit the heights of last season just yet but remains an excellent striker. It’s tough to keep Jhon Duran on the bench, but Emery’s system tends to work better with one out-and-out centre forward.
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