Verdict: Aston Villa win
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Turning their attention back to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon, Aston Villa will welcome Brentford to the Midlands.
Aston Villa
Starting with the hosts, signing off their Europa League group stage adventure with a sensational comeback on home soil, Aston Villa have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across the continent. Eventually clinching an action-packed 3-2 victory against Austrian giants Salzburg, Unai Emery’s men stormed their way to a Round of 16 ticket without breaking much of a sweat. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat in bronze medal position, the former Arsenal boss finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Shattering a string of records this season, Aston Villa will be looking to make another statement here. Putting in a rugged performance last week as they secured a 2-0 win away at Newcastle, Sunday’s hosts have also gained a fearsome reputation for their extended dominance on home soil. In fact, Villa have won 12 of their previous 13 showdowns in front of their own supporters – a run that stems all the way back to the end of August.
Aston Villa Team News
Limping off with a suspected hamstring injury against Salzburg on Thursday night, Aston Villa are expected to be without England international Ollie Watkins here. Likewise, undergoing knee surgery earlier in the month, Emery’s side have confirmed that Boubacar Kamara will miss the remainder of the season.
Coming off the bench and bagging a maiden Europa League strike in midweek, Morgan Rogers will be handed a full recall. Despite once again being linked with a move away from the Midlands this month, Argentinian shot-stopper Emirates Martinez will start between the sticks.
Brentford
As for the visitors, while Brentford might have found themselves at the heart of a sensational run on either side of opening the New Year, Keith Andrews’ men have seen their European dreams take a major dent over the past fortnight. Missing out on what they had billed as a golden opportunity last weekend as they slumped to a 2-0 loss at home against relegation scrappers Nottingham Forest, the Bees have suffered consecutive Premier League defeats for the first time since the start of December. Pencilled in as a real underdog contender when they travel to the Midlands on Sunday afternoon, Brentford do hold a downbeat record at Villa Park. Hit with a routine 3-1 defeat when they last travelled to the Champions League chasers back in December 2024, they have never recorded a single Premier League win in the Midlands.
Brentford Team News
Both limping off with respective first-half knocks against Brentford last weekend, Brentford are sweating over the fitness of Mikkel Damsgaard and Norwegian international Kristoffer Ajer. Likewise, former Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho will miss the remainder of the campaign with a knee injury.
Enjoying what has been a remarkable Premier League romp this season and notching 16 goals in his 23 appearances, the red-hot Igor Thiago will lead the line here. England international Jordan Henderson could make a first top-flight start since New Year’s Day.
Aston Villa vs Brentford Key Factors to Consider
When Aston Villa last welcomed Brentford to the Midlands back in December 2024, Emery’s side collected a 3-1 victory.
Brentford have never recorded a Premier League victory at Villa Park.
Villa have won 12 of their previous 13 showdowns in front of their own supporters – a run that stems all the way back to the end of August.
The Bees have suffered consecutive Premier League defeats for the first time since the start of December.
Brazilian striker Igor Thiago has recorded 16 goals in his 23 Premier League appearances this season.
Conclusion
Mounting a stunning Europa League comeback on Thursday night as they eventually snatched a 3-2 victory against Salzburg, Aston Villa certainly find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat in bronze medal position, Emery’s men will be confident of making another statement in the Midlands. Winning 12 of their 13 showdowns at Villa Park across all competitions, they also secured a 3-1 victory when they last welcomed Brentford to town back in December 2024.
Verdict: Aston Villa win
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Dachbet
