Aston Villa, Emiliano Martínez
(Credit: Imago)
Matthew Chadder
Sat 8 March 2025 16:19, UK
Unai Emery is without Emiliano Martínez for the clash with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Villa produced a memorable result by beating Club Brugge 3-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 at the Jan Breydel Stadium on Tuesday (4 March), with Gary Lineker in awe of what Tyrone Mings did in Belgium.
As a result, confidence will be high ahead of the Premier League clash with the Bees on Saturday (8 March).
However, Villa’s Premier League form has been questionable as of late, with Emery’s side winning just one of their last seven games in England’s top flight.
Therefore, the Villans will be keen to get back on track in West London, although the absence of Martínez could prove to be a big problem.
Emery is without two key players in his Villa squad to take on Brentford (Credit: Imago)
Martínez misses out for Aston Villa v Brentford
Emery has made two changes from the win against Club Brugge in midweek.
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Martínez is nowhere to be seen, with Robin Olsen coming in between the sticks for Villa.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford is dropped to the bench for Jacob Ramsey, while Marco Asensio is also absent from the Villa squad to take on Brentford.
Martínez is a big-name player at Villa Park, and his absence will no doubt be noticed against Brentford. The shot-stopper made two saves, one from inside the penalty area, and succeeded with 100 per cent of his runs out against Club Brugge [Sofascore].
In addition, Martínez made 44 touches, completing 82 per cent of his passes, although none of his seven long balls forward were accurate. However, he will still be a big miss.
Aston Villa need three points against Brentford
Brentford are just four points behind Villa in the Premier League and Thomas Frank’s side will no doubt be keen to cut the gap on Saturday.
Premier League Position Points
Aston Villa 10th 42
Brentford 11th 38
Brentford are right behind Aston Villa in the Premier League
However, Emery and his players cannot let that happen.
While the West Midlands-based club are going strong in the Champions League and FA Cup, they remain 10th in the Premier League and need to start producing results if they want to finish in the European places.
Brentford aren’t an easy side to play against, and a win at the Gtech Community Stadium would therefore improve the confidence levels among the Villa players.
However, picking up three points will be difficult without Martínez and Asensio.
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