The Premier League action resumes following midweek European Matchday affairs, with Brentford welcoming the elated Aston Villa to the Gtech Community Stadium on Matchday 17 this Sunday.
Despite a promising start, Brentford has been grappling with inconsistency so far this season. The team experienced a notable run of three successive league wins, causing upsets to formidable opponents such as Chelsea and West Ham. However, the Bees’ recent form has taken a downturn, with just one victory and four defeats in their last five domestic outings.
Aston Villa is soaring high with an impressive dream run, defeating the runners-up and defending champions securing back-to-back narrow 1-0 victories, showcasing dominance over both title contenders. In their previous five league matches, they have secured four wins and one draw. Meanwhile, they concluded the European group stages as group winners in the Conference League.
The Thomas Frank-led hosts currently occupy the 12th place on the league table with 19 points, having secured five wins and four draws so far this season. In contrast, Unai Emery’s Lions boast the 3rd spot on the table with an impressive 35 points from eleven wins and two draws. Additionally, they have set a remarkable record of 15 consecutive home wins.
As the hosts aim to bounce back from their recent league defeat against the in-form visitors at their den, they’ll be locking horns in Sunday’s clash. On the other hand, the villains’ mindset will be to extend their victorious streak.
When and Where?
Date: Sunday, December 17, 2023.
Time: 02:00 PM BST
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium
Match Officials
Referee: David Coote.
Assistants: Tim Wood, and Mark Scholes.
Fourth official: Simon Hooper.
VAR: Craig Pawson.
Assistant VAR: Lee Betts.
Team news
The home side will miss Josh Dasilva, Mathias Jensen, Bryan Mbeumo, Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Kevin Schade, and Kristoffer Ajer due to injury issues.
The visitors’ bench will be without Bertrand Traore and Emiliano Buendia, and Tyrone Mings is also unavailable. Also, Leon Bailey and Youri Tielemans are listed as doubtful to feature.
Match Analysis
The Bees hold a head-to-head advantage in their favor, having suffered only a single defeat in their previous 10 meetings with the Villa. However, in terms of form and confidence, the visitors find themselves well ahead. The Dutch gaffer is expected to stick with the 4-3-3 formation despite a 1-0 loss in their previous outing against Sheffield United.
The hosts could make a few changes in the first eleven. Flekken will remain as the goalkeeper. In the backline, Roerslev could slot into the right back position, shifting Ghoddos to the left. In the middle of the defense, the Pinnock-Mee duo is expected to start. Norgaard and Onyeka will join Janelt in the middle, replacing Baptiste.
The final third, Yoane Wissa is expected to rest his left-wing spot, with Neal Maupay taking up the position as the marksman, and on the far right Mikkel Damsgaard will join forces in the attack.
The Villains will be expected to step out all guns blazing considering their impressive run of being unbeaten in away league clashes against London clubs. The Spanish manager could switch back to a 4-4-2 formation following two huge successes with a 4-4-1-1 approach, making a couple of changes in the playing eleven.
Emery’s choice for the defensive lineup remains the same, with a possible change of bringing in Moreno in place of Digne to join forces with Konsa on the other side. Diego Carlos and Torres are expected to form the center-back pairing ahead of Emi Martinez, the shot-stopper who has been denying both Arsenal and Man City with his resilient displays lately.
In the midfield, Cash is expected to fill in for Bailey’s absence on the wide right flank, and Ramsey is set to replace Douglas Luiz, with McGinn accompanying them on the left. In the attack, the final two forwards feature the lethal unit of Diaby and Ollie Watkins to pose a continuous threat to Bees’s defense.
Key Players
Ollie Watkins
The 27-year-old striker has emerged as a prolific goal-scorer in the Premier League this season. Under the supervision of Unai Emery, Watkins has flourished, playing a key role with a 100% starting record so far. His outstanding form has seen him bag 13 goals and 8 assists in all competitions this term.
In his 16 league appearances, he has managed 8 goals and as many assists, showcasing not only his eye for goal but also his ability to hold onto the ball and bring fellow teammates into the attack. This implies his creative skills are on par with goal scoring, aligning with Villa’s tremendous form.
Predicted Lineups
Brentford’s predicted lineup: Flekken; Ghoddos, Pinnock, Mee, Roerslev; Onyeka, Norgaard, Janelt; Damsgaard, Maupay, Wissa.
Aston Villa’s predicted lineup: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Moreno; Cash, Kamara, Ramsey, McGinn; Diaby, Watkins.
