FanSided World Football
·3 dicembre 2024
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Yahoo sportsFanSided World Football
·3 dicembre 2024
Aston Villa welcome in-form Brentford to Villa Park on Wednesday night, as the hosts desperately search for their first win in nine matches. The clash features two sides experiencing vastly different runs of form, with Villa looking to halt their slide while the Bees aim to build on their recent momentum.
Unai Emery's troubles grew deeper following their 3-0 loss at Chelsea on Sunday, pushing them to 12th place in the standings. The team faces additional worries with first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez expected to sit out after sustaining a hand injury at Stamford Bridge, leaving Robin Olsen to step between the posts.
Villa's recent matches have shown clear defensive problems, particularly in the opening stages. The long-term absences of Amadou Onana and Tyrone Mings have left noticeable gaps in the team's structure. Yet, Villa Park remains a bright spot for the team, with just one defeat in their last 11 league matches at home. Striker Ollie Watkins needs to find his early-season shooting boots to help turn their fortunes around.
Thomas Frank's Brentford arrive full of confidence after their commanding 4-1 win over Leicester City, where Kevin Schade grabbed the headlines with a superb hat-trick. The Bees have caught the eye with their attacking football this season, pushing for a spot in the top eight. However, their away performances need improvement, having picked up just one point on their travels this campaign.
The visitors' record at Villa Park might give Frank pause for thought, as they've failed to win in any of their nine previous visits. The attacking combination of Schade, Bryan Mbeumo, and Yoane Wissa will look to break this unwanted streak against Villa's shaky defence.
Aston Villa: Olsen, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen, Barkley, Tielemans, Bailey, Rogers, McGinn, Watkins
Wednesday's clash holds huge significance for both sides. Villa must find a way to overcome their recent poor form and cope with key absences, while Brentford look to maintain their upward trajectory. The home side's strong record at Villa Park faces a stern test from Brentford's potent attack, spearheaded by the red-hot Schade.
The match presents Villa with an opportunity to rebuild at their home ground, as Brentford seek to improve their away record. With clear objectives for both teams, this Premier League meeting shapes up as an intriguing battle under the Villa Park floodlights.