Aston Villa are set to welcome Brentford at Villa Park this Saturday afternoon at 3 pm.
Aston Villa are set to start the Premier League return at home after a three-week break for international fixtures.Their first opponent happens to be one of the surprisingly toughest ones, Keith Andrews’ Brentford.
They are currently sitting fourth on the table, and have been unbeaten against Unai Emery’s side. This is why Villa must be cautious despite playing at their own home turf.
Villa have been in fine form including during the international break following their wins in two friendly matches, including a game against Sevilla in the Antonio Puerta trophy. Emery’s extra games during the break gives the chances to stay in form. Hopefully it gives them the same positive rhythm and trend after the break, considering the congested fixtures begin this month.
They could be fielding some of their players who did not have international duty in this game. The likes of Alysson Edward, Pau Torres, Taylor Harwood-Bellis or even Alejandro Garnacho could get a nod as a starter here.
Villa’s negative head-to-head record in the past three games, in which they lost twice in the Premier League last season plus were held in a 1-1 draw in League Cup before suffering another defeat on penalties, simply can not go on. The Spanish boss is likely to prepare something.
Nine players have returned from international duty for three weeks. So far, only one name has had a concerning physical issue after having a dead leg in his last outing with his national team, Matty Cash. The remaining players seem to be ready to play on weekends such as Victor Lindelof, Zion Suzuki, Ibrahim Mbaye and Johan Manzambi.
There are still several players who might be on the sideline due to their injuries like Ian Maatsen, Leon Goretzka and Amadou Onana. They would not be able to feature even as as substitutes, except probably Goreztka.
Thus, in the starting XI, Suzuki is still between the sticks. Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres could get a nod first at the heart of the backline with Aaron Wan Bissaka on the right and Matteo Ruggeri on the left flank.
In the midfield, Joao Gomes and Boubacar Kamara should be the double pivot, supporting Emiliano Buendia, as the number 10, while John McGinn and Alysson could be playing wide on both flanks. Nicolas Jackson is still the first choice to lead the line.
Several names could be subbed on, should they need to break the deadlock. George Hemmings, Ross Barkley, Ibrahim Mbaye, Brian Madjo and even probably Alejandro Garnacho might be getting some minutes in Villa Park this time.
The clash between Aston Villa and Brentford will be available on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, Sky Go Extra, and Sky Go UK on TV as well as live streaming. The fans can also enjoy this game on NOW TV.
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