After Leeds drew with Swansea in the first blockbuster match of this first midweek round of season, victory at Villa Park for Aston Villa or Brentford could send them top of league.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesBoth teams have no new injury concerns but Aston Villa are still missing Keinan Davies and Scott Hogan.
Both players are out with groin injuries whilst Ross McCormack looks close to the exit door.
Brentford meanwhile aren’t planning to field new signing, Josh DaSilva, having only just joined the Bees this week.
Stat Attack
- Aston Villa have won just one of their last five meetings with Brentford.
- Since Villa dropped into Championship, both meetings at Villa Park have finished as draws (2016: 1-1, 2017: 0-0)
- Brentford are yet to win at Villa Park despite drawing last two visits (D2, L4).
- Out of Brentford’s four scorers in this Championship fixture, only Nicholas Yennaris and Romaine Sawyers are still at Griffin Park with John Egan and Lasse Vibe having both moved on.
- Neal Maupay has been involved in six of Brentford’s eight goals (three goals and three assists)
Prediction
Aston Villa have started like any side you would expect under Steve Bruce but Brentford have surprised me because they tend to start a new season slowly, costing them a chance at promotion or play-off spots.
Another draw here wouldn’t be a huge shock but I have a feeling that the Bees might have a stinging surprise in store.
Prediction: Aston Villa 0-1 Brentford