Brentford vs Aston Villa Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 English Premier League
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THE FACTS
When is Brentford vs Aston Villa on and what time does it start? Brentford vs Aston Villa will take place on Sunday 17th December, 2023 – 14:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Brentford vs Aston Villa? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Brentford vs Aston Villa on in the UK? Television rights for the Premier League in the UK are shared between Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Amazon Prime so it is worth checking their schedules for Brentford vs Aston Villa
Where can I stream Brentford vs Aston Villa in the UK? If Brentford vs Aston Villa is televised, then it can be streamed on either Sky Go, discovery+ or Amazon Prime Video depending on who is broadcasting the match
THE LOWDOWN
BRENTFORD
Thomas Frank is facing an injury crisis he says is unlike anything he has faced in his managerial career, which could be blamed for their fourth loss in five games over the festive period as they were beaten at Sheffield Utd 1-0.
Brentford's recent form has seen them secure just one victory in the last five games, a commanding 3-1 triumph over Luton Town. Thomas Frank's squad finds themselves distanced from the pack vying for European spots due to this inconsistency.
ASTON VILLA
Unai Emery claimed a satisfying measure of retribution against the club that severed his tenure four years ago with a masterful 1-0 home victory against Arsenal last weekend. Emery expressed jubilation as the Lions secured their 15th consecutive league home win thanks to an early John McGinn winner.
Merely three days after a remarkable one-goal victory over Manchester City, Emery's squad replicated their success against Arsenal, clinching another significant win by the same scoreline to see them considered genuine title challengers.
The Lions continued their celebrations in midweek by securing a spot in the Europa Conference League last 16 with a hard-fought two-goal draw against Bosnia's Zrinjski. Despite this, their form away from home paints a less impressive picture compared to their home record. Villa have managed just three wins in their last 12 Premier League away matches, a statistic that contrasts sharply with their displays at home.
THE TEAM NEWS
BRENTFORD
Thomas Frank revealed the extent of Bryan Mbeumo’s injury as the forwards will be out for 12 weeks following surgery on his ankle. In a boos for the Bees, Ivan Toney has just three more league games to serve in his suspension before the England striker can return to Football.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Flekken; Roerslev, Pinnock, Mee, Ghoddos; Onyeka, Janelt, Norgaard, Baptiste; Maupay, Wissa
UNAVAILABLE: Ajer (Injured), Hickey (Injured), Henry (Injured), Jensen (Injured), Dasilva (Injured), Schade (Injured), Mbeumo (Injured), Toney (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE: Collins (Injured)
ASTON VILLA
Both Douglas Luiz and Lucas Digne will serve one-match suspensions due to their accumulation of five yellow cards each, whilst Emery also suggested that Leon Bailey and Youri Tielemans could be doubts for this weekend’s fixture in his post-match comments midweek.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Moreno; Bailey, Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn; Diaby, Watkins
UNAVAILABLE: Mings (Injured), Traore (Injured), Buendia (Injured), Luiz (Suspended), Digne (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE: Tielemans (Injured), Bailey (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Brentford have the opportunity to exploit Villa's European fatigue and the blow of double suspensions. Yet, Unai Emery possesses a squad with well-rested options across various positions, with an eager Ollie Watkins returning to the starting 11.
Aston Villa's strong performances are yet to match those from the familiar confines of Villa Park. However, considering Brentford's substantial absences both in their attacking and defensive setups, Emery's line-up perhaps has what it takes to win by the slimmest of margins.
TIP: UNDER 3.5 GOALS
