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High-flying Aston Villa travel to Brentford with visitors in pole position for Europe spot
Brentford 1-1 Aston Villa
Tournament: Premier League 2022-2023 | Venue: Brentford, Brentford Community Stadium
Bet NowAston Villa’s rise under Unai Emery has been remarkable, to say the least.
In terms of points gained under the Spaniard, only Arsenal and Manchester City have claimed more since his appointment at the club.
It’s an incredible turnaround in fortunes for the Midlands club, having undergone a tough time of things under Steven Gerrard’s management. Now, they have European football firmly in their sights.
Brentford once sat where Aston Villa now find themselves, in amongst the European spots, but after two draws and three defeats have slipped to 9th in the league.
While they are still favourites to claim a top half position, and enjoy a successful season, it’s not quite the fairytale finish that they might have hoped for.
Reasons to be cheerful:
Won their past four home games against Villa
Just two home defeats all season
Reasons to be fearful:
Lost their last three games, as many as in the previous 21
Conceded eight goals in their last four matches
Brentford’s ability to avoid defeat has deserted them somewhat in recent times, losing their last three – as many as they suffered in their previous 21.
The Bees have started to concede at an uncharacteristic rate, with eight going into their own net over the past four games.
Thomas Frank prides himself, and his team, on organisation and energy, two things that have been lacking in recent weeks. They now have a home game against an on-fire Villa team to contend with.
Positively, they’ve won their past four at home against Villa, and have suffered just two defeats at the Community Stadium this season.
Can they return to winning form here?
Star Man – Ivan Toney
Despite Brentford’s recent poor spell of form, Toney has kept his goalscoring rhythm going with two from his last four appearances.
Reasons to be cheerful
The third best team in the league based on Emery’s record
Players like Ramsey, Watkins and McGinn on top form
Reasons to be fearful
Poor record away to Brentford
Will be tough to continue their incredible run
The great news for Villa fans is that, as things stand, they are currently in a European spot after a string of exceptional results.
The bad news is that, if they are to stay there, they are going to have to continue that run against some of the best teams in the league.
Brentford, Fulham, Manchester United, Wolves, Tottenham, Liverpool and Brighton are Villa’s remaining opponents this season, all of which will be tough to beat.
That’s the challenge for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa if they want to mix it with the best teams in the league, although their 3-0 thrashing of Newcastle last weekend was an excellent signal of their intent.
They have six wins from their 15 away games this season.
Star Man – Ollie Watkins
Now has 15 goals from his 33 appearances this season, including 11 from his last 13. His running, finishing and team play under Emery has been much improved.
Possession evenly shared
Running of Watkins & Ramsey to cause Brentford problems
Toney always a threat in front of goal
This should be an intriguing contest for both sets of fans, as well as the neutral.
A couple of months ago, Brentford would have been heavy favourites to claim three points, although both teams are in different positions right now.
Indeed, Villa have leapfrogged Brentford in recent times and now have the upper hand. It’s tough to call and a draw could be the end result.
Brentford 1-1 Aston Villa
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